Parlour wants van Persie-Dzeko swap

Ray Parlour has suggested Arsenal ask Manchester City for striker Edin Dzeko in exchange for wantaway captain Robin van Persie.

The Bosnian has failed to reproduce the form which encouraged Roberto Mancini to part with 27 million pounds in order to bring him in from Wolfsburg, leading to speculation that he may be moved on.

Meanwhile, van Persie recently expressed his intention to reject any further contract offers, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.

And Parlour, who made 468 appearances for the north London club during a distinguished career, believes a swap deal could be beneficial for both sides.

“I don’t know what Arsenal will look at, but if (van Persie) does want to go to Manchester City then maybe they could look at a swap deal with someone like Dzeko and bring him in,” he told talkSPORT.

Although Parlour believes Dzeko would be a good addition, he went on to concede that the strict wage structure at the Emirates Stadium could see Arsenal miss out.

“His wages might be a problem,” Parlour said.

“I don’t know what kind of wages Dzeko is on at Manchester City and Arsenal have always had that pay structure that they want to keep to and maybe they have to change that.

“Times are moving on and if you want the best players they go for the best money.”