EPL: Arsenal need two more signings, say Campbell and Parlour

Arsenal legends Sol Campbell and Ray Parlour believe Londoners need a centre forward and a central midfielder to be title contenders

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger may believe that his side are "not far away" from winning the English Premier League this season, but club legends Sol Campbell and Ray Parlour think that the side need at least two signings this season to challenge defending champions Chelsea.


Legends Sol Campbell and Ray Parlour during the launch of Arsenal new PUMA kits. Pic/Satyajit Desai 

"We need at least two players — a centre forward and a central midfielder. We're definitely looking at a forward. We also need to look at Francis Coquelin's progress. If he doesn't step up then we need to look for a central midfielder. This role is key for Arsenal," said Campbell in the city yesterday on his maiden visit to India for the India launch of Arsenal's new PUMA kits at Mehboob Studios yesterday.

Parlour agreed with Campbell, but added that the key to the upcoming season for the Gunners would be managing injuries. "Arsenal have an excellent squad. The Petr Cech signing is fantastic. Managing injuries would be key for Arsenal this season. Last season, I felt that if we hadn't had too many injuries, we could have ended closer to Chelsea," Parlour said.

Good nucleus
He added: "It's very hard to predict who's good enough to win the title before the transfer window closes. You don't know what Manchester United or Manchester City or Chelsea are going to do. "At the end of the window (August 31), it's easier to see who's got the best squad. Certainly, Arsenal at the moment, have got the nucleus of a very good squad. Arsene will be in the market to sign new players if they're available. Chelsea are champs and are the team to beat this year."

Both Parlour and Campbell were part of Arsenal's Invincibles team — the side went 49 EPL games unbeaten. Campbell felt the feat can definitely be replicated by the current squad. "If you have got the right mentality, it can be done. You need to play to win," he said.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!