Arsenal icon Ray Parlour has weighed in on Arsenal’s busy ongoing summer window, with Mikel Arteta ramping up his focus on recruitment in recent weeks.
With the departures of Jorginho and Thomas Partey, along with the Gunners’ glaring striker-shaped hole in the side, Arteta has resorted to major squad surgery in order to push for their first league title since 2004.
Martin Zubimendi is the first big-money signing that has been announced by the club, joining for a fee of £60million from Spanish side Real Sociedad.
“This is a very exciting signing for Arsenal,” Parlour said to NetBet Sports Betting on the Spaniard’s arrival. “I think he can be a big player for the team next season to bolster the strength in the centre of midfield.
Martin Zubimendi became Arsenal's first major signing of the summer, joining for a £60million fee
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“He can set the tone well, and with other Spanish players already in the squad, there is no reason he shouldn’t settle in well.”
The 26-year-old reportedly rejected Liverpool last season, but chose the Emirates as his next destination in what has been considered a huge coup for Arteta’s side.
The midfield is set to be strengthened further with Brentford captain Christian Norgaard joining for a fee of just £12million, representing excellent value for money even at the age of 31.
Parlour confidently noted: “With Jorghino leaving, it also means Arsenal will replace him with Christian Norgaard from Brentford, who has impressive stats last season in his efficiency, and his experience can help Arsenal in squad depth for sure.”
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Christian Norgaard made 196 appearances for Brentford
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But, the additions don’t stop there, with the club heavily linked to both Viktor Gyokores, who scored an astonishing 54 goals for Sporting Lisbon this season and could be available for a fee in the region of £65million, and RB Leipzig’s young sensation Benjamin Sesko.
While reports state Arsenal are currently advancing in a deal to sign the Swedish international, Parlour has insisted that both options would be a great asset to the club.
He said: “I’m excited for Arsenal to pick their No1 [striker] target and secure the signing very soon. I know the fans are getting restless, but I am confident it will be worth the wait for sure.
“Seeing more and more of Sesko and Gyokeres in action over the past few seasons, both have the calibre to be top strikers for Arsenal.
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“The service they will get will be very good, and this could well be the missing link they need."
The 52-year-old also reminded fans of their current striker option at the club, who spent a portion of last year on the sidelines after tearing his hamstring in Dubai.
“With Havertz set to be fully fit and ready to go at the start of the season, this is also excellent for the club,” he added.
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Arsenal icon Ray Parlour is 'excited' for Arsenal's upcoming season after a busy window is predicted
GETTYFinally, the Gunners may look to dip their toe into the market for one more major signing, with Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze heavily linked to the Emirates in a deal that could rise to £68m.
Parlour believes Eze to be “one of the most exciting” players in the Premier League, noting his FA Cup final goal and impressive England performances as evidence for this.
He explained: “[Arsenal] are looking for a winger and Eze has been mentioned in recent weeks. He is one of the most exciting players in the Premier League to watch and would be a massive asset to the team.
“He has shown he can mix it in big games by scoring in the FA Cup Final and has played well on England duty.”
Overall, with the rumour-mill in full swing, Arsenal’s summer and subsequent Premier League season have huge promise, providing they can deliver on the signings and finally get over the Premier League finish line.
They face stern competition, though, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City all getting their business done early, while bringing in an equally impressive calibre of players.
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