Arsenal have been told to go and sign Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse to partner Thomas Partey.
Ward-Prowse has established himself as not just a combative Premier League central midfielder but is well-known for his excellent set-pieces.
Having spent his entire career at the Saints, the 27-year-old has been linked with a move to a bigger club and has repeatedly been seen as a potential Gunners target.
As the club look to take the next step in their development under Mikel Arteta, a new midfielder is high up on the list of summer targets with Granit Xhaka turning 30 in September.
A former Southampton player himself, Phillips believes Ward-Prowse is a player 'Areteta would love in his squad.'
“Ward-Prowse is the sort of player Arsenal need," Phillips told Football Insider.
“Technically he is a very, very good player and he’s a dead-ball specialist.
“He’s the sort of player Arteta would love in his squad I imagine.”
Who are the teams you love to hate? Which teams do you have a soft spot for? Take part in our League of Love & Hate survey
Southampton would be reluctant to let go of a player who has come through their ranks to captain the club in England's top-flight.
Having signed a five-year contract extension at the start of the season, Arsenal will have to break the bank to sign the England international.
But Phillips is of the opinion that Ward-Prowse would compliment Partey and his delivery from set-pieces makes him a must get.
“Could they get him out of Southampton? That’s the question,” Phillips asked.
“He just signed a new deal and I think he’s happy there. It would be a big test if Arsenal could knocking [sic] though. He could be persuaded to join.
“Ward-Prowse is the sort of player Arsenal need to be looking at in the summer.
“He’d compliment Partey well and let’s be honest, there’s not many better set-piece takers than him in the world.”
