Arsenal are among the busiest clubs in this summer’s transfer window.
The Gunners announced the arrivals of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard earlier in July, and it has now been confirmed that Noni Madueke is a new Arsenal player.
A lot has been said about the England winger over the last few weeks. Not many fans really wanted him at the Emirates Stadium. But he is here now, and it’s our job as fans to support him.
Arsenal are working on more deals beyond Madueke, but Ray Parlour doesn’t fancy one player after hearing a transfer rumour.
Ray Parlour says Arsenal should not sign Joao Palhinha this summer
Joao Palhinha has been on the radar of several big Premier League clubs over the years.
The 30-year-old made a brilliant name for himself in England when he played for Fulham, and his performances there earned him a £47 million move to Bayern Munich (Sky Sports).
Palhinha is now available for a transfer this summer, and there are suggestions that he could return to the Premier League.
Reports have claimed that Arsenal held concrete talks with Palhinha before the Club World Cup, but no move has materialised since.
Arsenal legend Parlour was asked about the Portuguese midfielder, and he claimed that the Gunners should not waste their money on him.
He told talkSPORT: “He was very good at Fulham, he’s gone to Bayern Munich, big money move, but I don’t think they (Arsenal) need him.
“He’s a player that they’ve got, Zubimendi coming in, in central midfield, who’s going to be that holding player. And they’ve got Norgaard, who is a really good cover, very experienced player, captain at Brentford, so he knows how to deal in Premier League games, been there many, many years.
“So for me, Palhinha, I’m not saying he’s a bad player, good player, but I don’t think they need it. Spend their money elsewhere.”
Arsenal have another option in midfield that nobody is talking about
Parlour is absolutely right – Arsenal don’t need Palhinha and should not consider signing him.
Zubimendi and Norgaard are more than enough options in the middle of the park, while Declan Rice can also play there. Even Cristhian Mosquera has the skills to play as a six.
That should be good enough, but luckily for Arteta, he has another incredible player he can use in midfield – Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The teenager has made a terrific name for himself at left-back, but he is naturally a central midfielder who can play both as an eight as well as in a deeper role.
We don’t expect Lewis-Skelly to be moved away from left-back in the upcoming campaign, but if the need arises, he is capable of filling in.
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