Ex-Arsenal star: Gunners need a defensive signing

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour thinks the Gunners need another defender to support the likes of Laurent Koscielny (left) and Per Mertesacker. Photo: Adam Davy/EMPICS Sport

Wednesday, August 8, 2012
10:19 AM

Transfer news: Ray Parlour thinks Asenal manager Arsene Wenger needs to strengthen his defence

Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour thinks the Gunners need to add a ‘quality’ defender to their ranks to round off their summer spending.

Arsenal yesterday announced the signing of Spain winger Santi Cazorla from Malaga, their third summer signing after Germany forward Lukas Podolski and France striker Olivier Giroud.

And while Parlour is encouraged by their trio of new recruits, who arrive at a combined cost of around £35 million, he thinks a defender should be next on the agenda.

Speaking to Talk Sport about the Gunners’ transfer activity, Parlour said: “It’s positive.

“I still think they might need another defender,” he continued.

“I know Kyle Bartley has come back who has had his experience [on loan] at Rangers at centre-half.

“But I still think might need a little more quality at the back.”