Transfer Centre

Ray Parlour: 'Arsenal don't need Raheem Sterling'

By Steven Toplis, Reporter | 01 June 2015

Ray Parlour believes that Arsenal do not need to sign Raheem Sterling from Liverpool and should look to strengthen other areas of the side.

Former Arsenal winger Ray Parlour has expressed his belief that the Gunners do not need to sign Liverpool's Raheem Sterling to challenge for the Premier League title next season.

Sterling's future at Anfield has come under question in recent weeks after stating that he will not hold talks with the Merseysiders until the summer, with reports suggesting that the England international would like a switch to the Emirates Stadium.

However, Parlour says that Sterling is not a priority for Arsenal and manager Arsene Wenger because the club should be looking to strengthen in other areas.

"I'd rather concentrate on central midfield, centre-back and maybe a goalkeeper if I was manager," Parlour told The Express.

"I always look down the spine of the team, which is so important. Look at Chelsea: [John] Terry, [Gary] Cahill, [Cesc] Fabregas, [Nemanja] Matic, [Diego] Costa. If you're going to win leagues you've got to have that base.

"Raheem Sterling, as a 20-year-old - people are always looking at potential and how good could he be. But you couldn't have Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott and Sterling – I don't think that would work."

Arsenal, who finished 12 points behind champions Chelsea in the Premier League this term, claimed their second FA Cup in succession on Saturday by beating Aston Villa at Wembley.