Parlour names striker Arsenal should sign this summer | OneFootball

Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has named Viktor Gyokeres as the striker Arsenal should sign this summer.

Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in a number nine in the transfer window with the Gunners linked with various names.

Parlour remains optimistic that the Gunners can taste success next season, despite a trophyless 2024/25 campaign. Arteta’s side concluded the Premier League campaign as runners-up for the third consecutive time, by finishing ten points behind champions Liverpool.

Despite another year of falling short, Parlour still believes Arteta is the right man for the job.

“Mikel is still building something great at Arsenal,” Parlour told The Football Faithful in association with NetBet Sports Betting.

“Although they ended up with no trophy, you can see there is progress with a semi-final appearance in the Champions League and the likes of [Ethan] Nwaneri and [Myles] Lewis-Skelly coming through into the first-team.

“Injuries hampered their progress towards the end, so Mikel and the staff now know what is needed to go one step further.”

As Parlour alluded to, the Gunners were struck by misfortune at key points of the campaign. Imposing defender Gabriel and forwards Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus all suffered significant injuries that required many months on the treatment table.

The lack of offensive options forced Arteta to improvise, which resulted in recognised central midfielder Mikel Merino being deployed as a ‘target man’ for the North London club. A harsh set of circumstances that Parlour trusts will serve as a lesson for the Spanish manager.

“Injuries to all the forward players in the business end of the season wasn’t great at all.

“Having to play Merino as the ‘nine’ wasn’t the ideal solution. I think Mikel will learn from this and ensure a deeper squad of more quality will be in place next season.

“No recruits in January didn’t help, but I believe the plan was always to invest this summer, which I am sure they will.”

The man tasked with reinforcing the squad is new Sporting Director Andrea Berta. The Italian succeeded Edu Gaspar at the start of the calendar year and has wasted no time in trying to make exciting additions.

Arsenal’s first signing of the summer is imminent, as they are rumoured to have activated Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause.

With transfer business beginning to unfold, Parlour revealed his preferred choice to elevate Arsenal’s title bid next season.

“A number 9 who can score 15+ goals a season is essential and with the new Sporting Director, I am sure they will make their choice very soon”, the 52-year-old asserted.

“Another winger to compete with [Gabriel] Martinelli and Saka will also be on the table as well as cover in centre midfield with Jorginho leaving.

Gyokeres ‘top preference’ for Arsenal striker signing

“I believe [Alexander] Isak is too much and with Newcastle getting Champions League football, he won’t be leaving,” Parlour continued.

“[Viktor] Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon would be my top preference as he has shown he can score goals in the Champions League and domestically in the Portuguese league.

With expectations at an all-time high, the ‘Romford Pele’ is adamant that his former side are on the right path.

“Second is no mean feat when you look at the journey the club has been on, the consistency is excellent. Now it’s taking the toughest step to bring home a trophy.

“The squad is filled with top quality players and with more to come in the summer, next season is set to be big for the club. So, there will be more pressure, but the squad can deal with it.”

Read – Parlour: Arsenal have ‘done wonders’ for women’s game

See more – Arsenal ‘could easily spend over £200m’ claims finance expert

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok