Arsenal icon Ray Parlour responds to Gabriel Jesus rumour ahead of new Premier League season

Arsenal Gabriel Jesus

Arsenal are reportedly in no hurry to sign a new striker this summer because of Gabriel Jesus

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 08/08/2024

- 15:44

EXCLUSIVE: The former Gunners star has spoken out as their opening match against Wolves next Saturday looms

Arsenal icon Ray Parlour believes Gabriel Jesus is good enough to lead the line for the Gunners this season.

But he also feels the north London giants still need another No 9 if they're to finally win a first Premier League title since 2004.


Arsenal have had a quiet transfer window so far, with Riccardo Calafiori their only big recruit.

As things stand they're set to go into next Saturday's opener against Wolves with Jesus and Eddie Nketiah as the only out and out strikers at their disposal.

Arsenal Gabriel Jesus

Arsenal are reportedly in no hurry to sign a new striker this summer because of Gabriel Jesus

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A recent report from the Daily Mail claimed part of the reason for Arsenal's lack of recruitment up top is because they're happy with Jesus and the condition he came back in following his injury last season.

They are calm behind the scenes at the Emirates Stadium, optimistic they've got enough firepower to finally win the league title they crave.

And Parlour, speaking exclusively to GB News via NetBet Online Casino, has made it clear he's a big fan of Jesus.

However, he's also urged his old team to land a new striker amid speculation surrounding Victor Osimhem and Ivan Toney.

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"He has picked up injuries during the last few seasons, so a fully fit Jesus can score more goals this season for sure and be a bigger part of title charge for Arsenal," he said.

"For me, though, I do think Arsenal need another striker to complement the ones they have."

Toney was linked earlier in the summer but talk of a deal has gone quiet.

As for Osimhen, the Napoli forward has emerged as a target despite Chelsea previously being frontrunners in the race to secure his signature.

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Arsenal have gone close to winning the league twice in recent years.

They have been pipped to glory by Manchester City on both occasions, however.

Yet Parlour is adamant Arteta is the right man for the job and has expressed a belief the Spaniard will sign a new contract and extend his stay at the Emirates.

"I believe Arteta has a good couple of years to win the Premier League or a major trophy at Arsenal," he continued.

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Arsenal Ray Parlour

Arsenal icon Ray Parlour is backing his old side to win the Premier League title this season

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"I believe he will sign a new contract so the club will back him to deliver silverware as they came so close last season.

"He is the right man, he has the tools to deliver a trophy and the players feel the same way."

Regarding his top four prediction, Parlour is going for Arsenal to win it.

And he also thinks Manchester United will finish in the top four despite the fallen giants finishing eighth under Erik ten Hag last term.

Arsenal news Mikel Arteta

Arsenal icon Ray Parlour believes Mikel Arteta will sign a new contract as the start of the new Premier League season looms

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"I am going for Arsenal to win it this year. They have more experience now and will be so hungry to pip City and go one step further," he said.

"Man City to finish second. They won't be far away. How much hunger do they have left to win it for a fifth yr in a row?

"Third will be Liverpool. New Manager, but still a very good squad and Arne Slot will be looking for a good start and the players to respond to his ways.

"It's a really tough one for fourth. I am going for Manchester United, just. I think Aston Villa may drop away slightly with Champions League football, and maybe with Erik ten Hag having a new back room staff to take away some of the pressure and more belief following the FA Cup Win over Man City, they could get 4th."

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