Arsenal must spend to challenge for next season’s title, says ex-Gunner
Ray Parlour wants Arsene Wenger to go on a summer spending spree
Ray Parlour believes Arsenal must loosen the purse strings in the summer in order to challenge for the Premier League title next season.
The Gunners dipped into the January transfer market with the £11.2m purchase of 24-year-old defender Gabriel Paulista.
However, despite saying the Arsenal squad is in good health, Parlour believes more signings are needed to topple rivals Manchester City and Chelsea.
Parlour wrote on Sportlobster.com: “The squad they have now is very good, but the signings are important. The age of the squad is very good.
“This summer is going to be so important. They will get back to winning stuff.
“They could overturn Manchester City and Chelsea if they bring in the right players. It is time to kick on from last year’s FA Cup win.”
Arsenal have repeatedly been linked with a defensive midfielder, including Southampton’s £24m-rated Morgan Schneiderlin.
However, Parlour believes the unexpected rise of Francis Coquelin, who starred in the 2-0 away win against Manchester City, will make Arsene Wenger think twice before signing a midfield enforcer.
The 23-year-old Frenchman has been featuring regularly for Arsenal ever since the December win over West Ham United, but he is out of contract in the summer.
Parlour added: “It is great to see Coquelin play well. A lot of the plaudits go to attacking players, but he’s taken his chance very well.
“Wenger is loyal so, if you play well, he will keep on playing you. He’s become an important player for Arsenal.
“He probably thought it was his last chance and he’s certainly done brilliantly.
“It will be interesting to see what he does in the summer.”
