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Arsenal must sign a top striker, says Ray Parlour

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Ray Parlour sets out the positions he thinks Arsene Wenger needs to strengthen

Arsenal great Ray Parlour believes Arsene Wenger must sign a top striker if the club are to push for the Premier League title this coming season.

The Gunners were left short of attacking options last season as both Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott struggled for form at times, and Parlour says a high-quality addition is needed in that area at the Emirates Stadium.

"Romelu Lukaku's been mentioned," Parlour told Sky Sports News HQ. "We'd love to see Antoine Griezmann at Arsenal. That's the sort of quality they need.

"With Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil around they will always create chances. Olivier Giroud has done well. He's a good player but they need someone of the calibre of a Sergio Aguero or a Luis Suarez.  

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"They missed out on Suarez a few years ago. He would have been perfect for them and could have helped them go on to win the league. If they can get someone of that ilk then they could go on to challenge for the title next season.

"It's not rocket science in terms of who they need. A striker needs to come in but Arsenal probably need three more players to come in and reinforce the spine of the team. If they can do that they can go on and win the title."

Barcelona's Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez celebrates scoring against Granada
Image: Arsenal missed out on signing Luis Suarez a couple of years ago

Parlour also believes that Arsenal could do with strengthening their defence and midfield as they aim to go one better than their second-place finish in 2015/16.

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"For me, bringing in another centre-half is key," he said. "Per Mertesacker's got that little bit older and Gabriel's not really settled in yet. Maybe he can get better once he's more used to the demands of the Premier League but certainly they need another one in there.

"They could also do with another midfielder. They've lost Mikel Arteta, Tomas Rosicky and Mathieu Flamini and although none of them played on a regular basis last season, you need a big squad of players. 

Per Mertesacker of Arsenal outjumps Saido Berahino of West Brom
Image: Is Per Mertesacker enough at centre-back for Arsenal?

"Granit Xhaka, who they've brought in from Borussia Monchengladbach, is a good player. He had a good Euro 2016. He's efficient and good on the ball so he'll fit in well at the Emirates. However, they still could do with maybe one more in there.

"I think they've got a very good squad. The age of the squad is very good and with the likes of Aaron Ramsey, who has had a good Euro 2016, Sanchez, Ozil and Jack Wilshere, they've got a good group of players. Hopefully, Wilshere can stay fit and have an impact this season."

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