Arsenal hero Bacary Sagna has explained how the Gunners can bring a new Rory Delap to Arsenal, after years of stress dealing with his long throws for Tony Pulis’ Stoke. The Potters had become a bogey team for Arsene Wenger, often the cause of nightmares for supporters due to his trademark long throws.
Delap etched his name into Premier League folklore as teams were unable to defend against the set piece, becoming one of the most threatening players in the league at the time. Wenger later attempted to outlaw throw-ins as part of his work with FIFA, but Sagna has explained how Arsenal can land their own set-piece specialist this summer.
When asked who he would like Arsenal to sign this summer, Sagna told Lord Ping: “James Maddison from Leicester. I also really like [James] Ward-Prowse. He is a player that can change a game on his own. Every team needs a player that can change a game in a heartbeat. You know when Arsenal used to play Stoke, Rory Delap was a player that could change a game on his own because of his long throws.
“Ward-Prowse is a master at set pieces. When a game is locked and you have a player with his ability, that is so dangerous. His free-kicks are the best in the league. I am not saying that he would start every game, but if you added him from the bench with 15 or 20 minutes to go, he would make the difference.
“You need players like that in your team. His free-kicks are ridiculous. He takes them for fun. Defensively, I think Arsenal need another really top centre-back and an equally top right-back.”
Ward-Prowse could be available for a bargain price in the upcoming window, having been relegated with Southampton after a disappointing season. He will likely remain in the Premier League to further his England ambitions, though the club have reportedly slapped a £40million price tag on one of the best free-kick takers on the planet.
The likes of West Ham and Aston Villa have previously been interested in Ward-Prowse, but Arsenal are looking to bring in at least one midfielder this summer. Whether they would be prepared to pay such a fee for the 28-year-old remains to be sene, but Sagna believes that the Gunners should look to improve in every area of the squad.
“I think Arsenal need to add quality in every department,” he added. “These players need support and Arsenal need to add competition across the squad in order to compete across four fronts next season. Arsenal need to add players that can shine when they are called upon; players that can make a difference when they step into the team.
“Arsenal have amazing players at the moment, but the players that they have will improve if they can add some competition to the squad. I think they need to add four or five players to the team this summer.”
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