Arsenal Legend Urges Arteta to Sign Marcus Thuram to Replace Jesus

• Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has urged Mikel Arteta to sign French striker Marcus Thuram
• Gabriel Jesus will be out for months after surgery on the knee he injured at the World Cup
• The Gunners have Eddie Nketiah to lead the line but will want a cover for the young striker

Gabriel Jesus' injury on international duty with Brazil certainly puts Arsenal in a difficult position and alters their winter window transfer plans.

The Gunners were interested in strengthening on the wings and in defensive midfield, but now a striker is necessary - and an Arsenal legend has recommended one.

Cristiano Ronaldo is being linked to many clubs after his contract was terminated by Manchester United, even though he has not decided on his next move.

However, former Gunner Ray Parlour has now advised Mikel Arteta not to have the five time Ballon d'Or on his consideration list, but to go for France and Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram instead.

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Parlour prefers Thuram to Ronaldo

Parlour advised Arsenal to look away from the veteran striker Ronaldo in an interview with SportsLen, quoted by Football London.

''I just don’t think [Ronaldo] will work hard enough. I know he scores the goals, but he won’t bring the energy of Jesus by any means. He still is a very good player, but will he fit into Arsenal’s system the way they play now? I don't see it.''

Parlour's objection to the Portuguese star is based on the 37-year-old's style of play, and he feels 25-year-old Thuram brings something different to the table.

''I know [Thuram] at Borussia Monchengladbach could be available, because his contract is up at the end of the year. I do know Edu was looking for a winger/forward when I spoke to him in pre-season. He wanted a winger who could go past someone and offer something a bit different to what they’ve got now.''

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Could Eddie Nketiah step up?

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka would have other ideas as opposed to Parlour, as he has backed Eddie Nketiah to step up in Jesus' absence, as reported by Sports Brief.

The Swiss player believes Nketiah has all it takes to effectively deputise in place of the injured Brazilian, and feels this will help Arsenal get the best out of him.

For the Gunners however, signing a new striker does not necessarily represent lack of trust in Nketiah, but rather a cover due to fatigue, loss of form or possible injury.