Emmanuel Petit, the former Arsenal and France midfielder, has sparked debate by urging Arsenal to consider signing Paul Pogba, despite the controversies and challenges surrounding the player.
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Pogba, currently 31, has faced a difficult period, marked by limited appearances for Juventus due to both injury and an 18-month doping suspension, which was recently reduced after an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Now eligible to resume training in January, Pogba could return to play as early as March. Petit believes Arsenal’s current midfield issues, especially in the absence of captain Martin Odegaard, could be alleviated by Pogba’s skillset, if the club is willing to take the gamble.
Reflecting on Pogba’s situation, Petit shared his perspective with Instant Casino: “It’s a coin toss, but Paul could be a strong addition for Arsenal, if they’re willing to take a risk.”
He highlighted the challenges Pogba faces due to the extended layoff, which has kept him from team training for over a year. “He’ll need time to regain his form and adjust to match pace,” Petit explained, noting that while Pogba is now 32, his determination to prove himself could bring the mental resilience needed for a successful comeback.
Petit also suggested that Arsenal could structure a performance-based contract, allowing Pogba to earn incentives tied to his availability and contributions on the pitch.
Despite his support, Petit acknowledged that Arsenal might hesitate to sign Pogba due to their current recruitment philosophy, especially following the departure of Edu, the club’s technical director.
“Arsenal may lack the boldness for a signing like this,” Petit remarked, “but Pogba’s return to form could be a valuable asset.” He added that Pogba could also attract interest from clubs in France eager to offer the midfielder a fresh start.