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Arsenal Transfer Prospects: Should Arsene Wenger Make a Move for Scott Parker?

Vijay MuraliAnalyst IDecember 5, 2010

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 27:  Scott Parker of West Ham celebrates after scoring their third goal goal during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Wigan Athletic at Boleyn Ground on November 27, 2010 in London, England.  (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images)
Scott Heavey/Getty Images

Samir Nasri scored a spectacular brace which sent Arsenal to the top of the table, one point above Manchester United who have a game in hand. It was a special performance from an immensely talented player which secured a hard-fought victory.

Arsenal started the match strongly and the Frenchman scored under 15 minutes, but Arsenal supporters would not have been shocked by the surprise equalizer from Diomansy Kamara against the run of play.

The two Centre Backs collided to leave Koscielny dazed and Dempsey played the ball through to the waiting Kamara, who made no mistake. Though the defensive lapse was the main reason for the goal, Alex Song should have been alert and dealt with the situation. However, Dempsey was under no pressure and was able to pick out the striker with ease.

Arsenal have always played good attractive football but do not have a good hard tackler since the days of Patrick Vieira though Song is doing a decent job in his position. Wenger was linked with a move to bring defensive midfielder Scott Parker to the Emirates but the rumors did not last long and it was their rivals Spurs who were heavily linked with a move for the Englishman.

Scott Parker is one of the most underrated players in the Premier League, who has been a very consistent performer for West Ham United for the last couple of seasons. Parker had an unsuccessful stint with Chelsea but apart from that, he has been performing at the highest level in the Premier League. He is one of the Hammers' most important players and Parker is one of the main reasons why they are still competing in the Premier League.

Parker has rather been unfortunate to have made only three appearances for England and was chucked out of the initial 30-member squad with Fabio Capello never really giving him a fair chance to prove his credentials. However, it has not deterred him from performing superbly in the Premiership and has been integral to the Hammers, so far in this season.

He is a defensive midfielder and is one who is fearless in making strong challenges. His commitment and passion makes him an asset for any team and he can inspire the team to perform better.

His experience in the Premiership is invaluable to a team like Arsenal and he can provide a great shield to the rather weak defence of the Gunners. Also, he can score rasping long range strikes and will provide another option for the Gunners, who are excellent in their intricate play.

Parker is someone who will bring in a lot of toughness in the squad and will be unfazed in any situation. He has a good technique and playing in defensive midfield, he can be a great asset to the Gunners. He has been loyal to the Hammers but an offer from Arsenal is bound to tempt him. He has not played Champions League football in a long time and the Gunners would do well to have Parker's industrious abilities in the midfield.

At the age of 30, there is probably another three to four years for the midfielder and though he might cost around £8 to 10 million, if the midfielder can bring trophies to the Emirates, then it is worth the price. Besides, Wenger could actually sell one of Denilson or Diaby to make space for Parker because Song is more than capable of playing in a slightly advanced role.

Younsters Emmanuel Frimpong and Craig Eastmond are highly rated by the manager and they would be guided well by Parker, who is one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premiership.

It may not seem a necessity to buy a defensive midfielder for Wenger but he must realise that there is no proper cover for Alex Song and also against some tough teams, employing the double pivot formation with Song and Parker could provide the license for Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri to go further forward.

Besides, Parker possesses good attacking qualities and can be a leader in midfield. He will challenge for all loose balls and make good interceptions to stop counter-attacks. Parker will provide a lot of fight in the midfield and do his best to shield the centre-backs.

He may cost around £10 million, but in my opinion, signing him will prove to be superb for the Gunners, who can recoup some of the cost by the sale of Denilson, who has not fulfilled his potential at Arsenal.

Though Wenger has admired Parker's tenacity in the middle of the park, it is unlikely that he will sign him because he will not come at a bargain and he will not lose faith in his youngsters. He will believe Denilson will be a world class player and Frimpong and Eastmond can be an able replacements for Song.

Parker is likely to be interested by the move to London considering he is into the last phase of his career and he would like to be playing Champions League football on a regular basis.