Ray Parlour says he would rather have ‘frightening’ Arsenal star over transfer target Rodrygo, names preferred signing

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Arsenal are pursuing attacking options in their quest to end their trophy drought next season.

Andrea Berta is working on deals for a striker with both Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres in the frame for a summer switch to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal are still monitoring Ollie Watkins after their failed bid in January and are hopeful that Aston Villa may lower their asking price after failing to qualify for the Champions League.

Mikel Arteta wants a winger this summer and Arsenal hold interest in Rodrygo from Real Madrid however, former Gunners midfielder Ray Parlour believes his old side already have a player better than the Brazilian star.

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Ray Parlour believes Arsenal should stick with Gabriel Martinelli over Rodrygo

Speaking on talkSPORT, Parlour was asked whether Rodrygo would be a good signing for Arsenal and replace Gabriel Martinelli on the left flank.

Whilst Parlour agreed that Rodrygo was a ‘good player’, he stopped short of saying the Real Madrid man was better than Martinelli and urged Arteta to stick with his current star.

Parlour stated: “I like Martinelli, I know he has been a little bit indifferent last season but towards the end he really started playing didn’t he and I like him, he’s a good character. So I would stick with Martinelli.”

Martinelli welcomed competition from Rodrygo and there is a feeling that the 23-year-old would benefit from having someone fighting with him for a place in the Arsenal team.

With ten goals in all competitions, it wasn’t his most prolific season but as Parlour mentioned, he did show glimpses of being back to his best upon return from a hamstring injury and Arteta believes Martinelli is ‘frightening’ when at his best.

Ray Parlour urges Arsenal to sign Morgan Rogers

Arsenal admire Morgan Rogers and Parlour has urged Andrea Berta to go out and grab the midfielder from Premier League rivals Aston Villa.

Parlour explained: “I think he’s got so much potential, I’m going to go right, I’d pay the money to get him because he’s 22 years old and I think he’s got everything going for him, he’s only going to get better.

“Mikel can teach him and he can play all along the front line, he can play number ten, wide, everywhere can’t he and he will score you some goals as well.”

Martin Odegaard didn’t have his best campaign and if the Gunners can lure Rogers to North London, he would also provide another excellent option for Arteta in attack.