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28 March 2024

Arsenal legend finds Robin replacement

Jermain Defoe (#19) celebrates after scoring England's second goal during the international friendly against Italy at Stade de Suisse, Wankdorf on August 15 in Bern, Switzerland. (GETTY)

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By Staff

Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes Jermain Defore is the ideal man to replace the golden boots of Robin van Persie.

"Two games and no goals show where Arsenal’s problems lie and there are few better finishers around than Jermain Defoe," Wright stated in his weekly column in The Sun.

Arsenal fired blanks in their opening two matches against Sunderland and Stoke City, as they adjusted to life without Van Persie who scored 37 goals for them in all competitions last season.

"I’m sure Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud will get goals for the Gunners once they have picked up the pace of the Premier League. But Arsenal cannot afford another dodgy start to a campaign after playing catch-up for all of last season," he said of Arsenal's new signings.

He urged Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to "make an audacious bid for Defoe, whose face doesn’t seem to fit at Spurs and who looks up for a move".

The England striker has dropped down the pecking order at White Hart Lane as Andre Villas-Boas wants to sign Willian, Shakhtar Donetsk’s attacking midfielder, and his fellow Brazilian Leandro Damiao.

"Defoe would be the perfect replacement for Robin van Persie, the penalty box predator to finish off all those half-chances which are currently going begging," said Wright who is heartened by the solidity displayed at the back.