Perry Groves has urged Arsenal Football Club to go all-out and sign Everton’s Ross Barkley, before urging them to sign Steven N’Zonzi also.
The former Gunners’ winger won two league titles in his six-year spell with the club, and has held an affinity for us ever since.
Groves has now urged us to move to sign contract rebel Barkley, who is believed to be keen on sealing a move away from his boyhood club, with only one year remaining on his current deal.
The 52 year-old said: “I’m a massive Ross Barkley fan and think he could be perfect for us. I’d absolutely love him at Arsenal.
“He’s got something that other players don’t have. If you can get Barkley for £25m, that’s a no-brainer.
“He could play behind Lacazette or alongside Xhaka – I’d love to have him.
“At this stage of his career, the money should not be the driving force. He wants to test himself and needs to do so at a club like Arsenal to earn the right to demand such money.
“I think he’ll end up at Spurs or Chelsea, which would be a real shame as he’s entering the peak stage of his career.
“Too many people look at the negative aspects to Ross’ game rather than what he can do.”
Groves added: “I’m not just saying this because I watched him yesterday but I’ve been a massive fan of Steven N’Zonzi.
“I think he could do a real job in the centre of that midfield for us, adding the steel he did at Stoke and Blackburn. He’s a destroyer.”
Barkley has always been an exciting talent, but has some weaknesses in his game which do get highlighted, but his stats for assists and creating remain strong.
I would definitely take Ross in to cover for Cazorla, as well as N’Zonzi coming into replace Jack Wilshere and Francis Coquelin. What do you reckon?
Pat J