Ray Parlour Urges Arsenal to Sign a New Striker: Ivan Toney Would Have Been Ideal
Former Arsenal player Ray Parlour has expressed his concern over the current striker options at the club and believes that Arsenal should sign a new striker this summer. While Arsenal is set to spend a significant amount on midfield and defensive reinforcements, Parlour believes that a new striker is necessary for the team’s long-term success.
Currently, Mikel Arteta has Gabriel Jesus as his first-choice striker and Eddie Nketiah as a backup option. However, Parlour questions whether Nketiah is capable of leading the line for Arsenal on a long-term basis if Jesus were to get injured. As a result, he believes that another striker should be brought in to provide depth and competition in the squad.
Parlour emphasizes the importance of having multiple quality strikers in the squad, citing examples from his time at Arsenal when they had Nwankwo Kanu, Sylvain Wiltord, Thierry Henry, and Dennis Bergkamp. He acknowledges that many teams now play with just one forward, but he still believes that having an out-and-out striker provides a sense of security.
One potential option that Parlour mentions is Ivan Toney from Brentford. However, Toney is currently serving an eight-month ban for breaking FA betting rules, making him unavailable for Arsenal. Parlour describes Toney as an ideal signing for Arsenal, comparing him to Arsenal legend Ian Wright.
Parlour acknowledges that it may be challenging for Arsenal to find a suitable striker in the current market. He suggests that Arsenal’s Technical Director, Edu, is likely exploring options worldwide to find the right fit. However, the availability of players and Arsenal’s budget constraints may pose challenges in securing a new striker.
Arteta is looking to build on a promising season for Arsenal, where they finished second behind Manchester City and secured their return to the Champions League after a six-year absence. The addition of a new striker could provide the necessary depth and competition in the squad to compete at the highest level.
In conclusion, Ray Parlour believes that Arsenal should sign a new striker this summer to provide depth and competition in the squad. He highlights the importance of having multiple quality strikers and expresses his concern over the current options at the club. While Ivan Toney would have been an ideal signing, his ban prevents Arsenal from pursuing him. Nonetheless, Parlour trusts that Edu is actively searching for suitable options and acknowledges that Arsenal’s budget and player sales may impact their ability to secure a new striker.