Ray Parlour Names ‘Perfect’ Partner for Chelsea Midfielder Enzo Fernandez
Chelsea have been busy in the transfer window this summer, with the Blues looking to bolster their midfield options after letting N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mason Mount all leave. The west London outfit have already spent more than £100m on Argentina World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez and Arsenal legend Ray Parlour believes he has identified the ‘perfect’ partner for the midfielder.
Chelsea Target Moises Caicedo as Perfect Partner for Enzo Fernandez
Chelsea have turned their attentions to Brighton star Moises Caicedo and Parlour believes he would be a ‘perfect fit’ for the Blues. Caicedo enjoyed a brilliant 2022-23 campaign, helping Brighton qualify for Europe and reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup. The Ecuador international has been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United over the past six months but Chelsea are now said to be leading the race, though Brighton are holding out for almost £100m.
“I like Moses Caicedo,” Parlour told Genting Casino. “I think he’ll be the perfect fit for Chelsea. He’s really strong, always wants the ball and when I watched him play for Brighton against Chelsea, he was one of the best players on the pitch. I can see Enzo Fernandez and Moses Caicedo forming a great partnership at Stamford Bridge.”
Arsenal Sign Declan Rice After Chelsea Pull Out of Race
Chelsea had expressed interest in signing Declan Rice but Arsenal quickly moved to the front of the queue for the West Ham midfielder and are set to welcome him to the Emirates in a deal worth £105m. Parlour is more than happy his former club Arsenal have won the race and believes Rice will fit in perfectly at the Emirates.
“I’m absolutely happy with Declan Rice signing,” he added. “I know Mark Noble and he says he’s a great lad. I’m certain he’ll fit in perfectly at Arsenal. They have a young squad and he’ll bring a lot of experience to the team. I’m pleased Declan has won his first trophy already and I hope he can win a few more with Arsenal.”
Parlour Believes Arsenal Should Aim to Win Trophies This Season
Rice joins an Arsenal team that finished second in the Premier League last season, five points behind treble-winners Manchester City. Parlour believes there is ‘more pressure’ on Gunners boss Mikel Arteta going into the new season and says Arsenal should be looking to win a trophy.
“Of course there is more pressure on Mikel this time around because he’s been backed in the transfer window but he’ll know that,” Parlour said. “Every single manager in the Premier League is under pressure. Mikel will want to go one further and win the league next season. The Champions League performances will be interesting and I’d still like Arsenal to try and win the FA Cup because it’s still a top trophy.”