‘Arsenal desperately need defenders, not Wilfried Zaha!’ – Gunners have got their priorities wrong in summer transfer window, says Harry Redknapp
Arsenal have got their priorities all wrong in the summer transfer window and MUST focus on strengthening their defence instead of bringing in more attacking players.
That’s according to former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp, who has questioned why the Gunners seem determined to sign £80m-rated Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace when they already boast a number of quality forwards.
Reports claim Arsenal are set for busy few days in the market this week, but Redknapp believes they are focusing on all the wrong areas.
Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos is set to arrive on loan from Real Madrid, while the Gunners are said to be planning another bid for Zaha despite Palace rejecting their latest offer of £55m plus Reiss Nelson on loan.
The north London club had been keen on signing Celtic full-back Kieran Tierney, but it is believed they have now abandoned that deal.
And while young French centre-back William Saliba is expected to move to the Emirates Stadium, he will return to Saint-Etienne on loan for the forthcoming campaign meaning he won't actually wear an Arsenal shirt until the 2020/21 season.
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Asked about the current state of the Gunners team, former Spurs boss Redknapp said on Tuesday’s Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast: “What has happened to Arsenal?
“Years ago, when Arsenal wanted a player they went and got him.
“We keep talking about the kid at Celtic [Tierney], who is a good left-back, but they need central defenders, surely.
“You talk to an Arsenal fan and they’d tell you – in the back four, their two centre halves are not good enough, they’re going to lose [Laurent] Koscielny, he’s got a problem and he wants out, and they’re short in midfield.
“The certainly don’t need any more forwards – that’s the one area they are decent in, they’ve got a couple of good front men.
“They need some defenders desperately.”