Arsenal need to buy an extra central defender and a solid defensive midfielder in the January transfer window -- that much is clear as day. The only questions remain if Arsene Wenger will go ahead and buy players for those two positions, and if so, who?
Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour believes it should be two players of the highest quality, with his preference being Morgan Schneiderlin for the defensive midfield position and Mats Hummels for the central-defensive role.
Parlour also believes making a move for West Ham's Winston Reid, who has been heavily linked with a transfer to both Arsenal and Manchester United, wouldn't be the greatest of ideas, while he rued the fact that his former club could not ink a deal to bring in Sami Khedira last summer, when for a while it looked highly possible.
"Winston Reid has been mentioned, but I'm not sure he's the quality we need," Parlour said on Sportlobster.
"Mats Hummels would be great, a world cup winner and a good player.
"For midfield, I would go for Schneiderlin if you can get him. He's at a good age.
"Lots of players are linked. Khedira would have been great. Players that have played in big games won't be phased by anything. Schneiderlin hasn't [played in big games], but I can see him improving."
With Arsenal struggling in the Premier League this season, questions have naturally been raised over Wenger's future and if the Frenchman is the right man for the job. As far as Parlour, who has worked under Wenger and knows how the Frenchman works, is concerned the right man to make that decision is the Arsenal manager himself.
"I think a top four finish is vital," added Parlour. "The team are still in the Champions League and could finish third or fourth. If we finish outside of the top four, without a trophy, it might be time for him to be moved on.
"Arsene will know when his time is up. It would have to be an agreement between both parties. Arsene isn't there for the money, if he doesn't believe he can be successful he'd call it a day."
Jurgen Klopp is the name on everyone's lips when it comes to naming Wenger's successor, and Parlour believes the current Borussia Dortmund manager will be a great fit for Arsenal, with the former midfielder also indentifying Roma boss Rudi Garcia as another ideal candidate to take over the reins from Wenger.
"Klopp is having a bad time this season, but someone of his calibre is needed," said Parlour when asked about who could replace Wenger. "He changes his tactics and has been in the Champions League before.
"Roma's Rudi Garcia is another good manager."
