Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has recently made a strong case for his former club to consider signing French midfielder Paul Pogba. Petit, known for his insightful analysis of the game, believes that Pogba could be a valuable addition to Arsenal’s squad.
According to Petit, the former Juventus and Manchester United star would be a natural fit for Mikel Arteta’s plans, providing the physical presence, creativity, and experience that could benefit Arsenal’s midfield.
Pogba, who first joined Manchester United in 2016 for a record-breaking £89 million, faced numerous challenges during his time there, including injuries that impacted his consistency on the field.
Despite his talent, he struggled to maintain form due to various setbacks, and ultimately, he left Manchester United to return to Juventus in 2022. However, his return to Italian football has been far from smooth. Pogba managed only 12 appearances over two seasons with Juventus, his progress stalled by further injuries and recent disciplinary issues.
Last year, Pogba’s career took a dramatic turn when he tested positive for elevated testosterone levels, leading to a suspension initially set at four years. This setback seemed to cast doubt over Pogba’s ability to continue at the top level of football.
However, his suspension was recently reduced to 18 months, allowing him a pathway to return. This reduction means Pogba will be eligible to resume training in January 2025, with a potential return to competitive action in March 2025. With his sights set on a comeback, Pogba’s future in professional football remains uncertain, but Petit sees an opportunity for Arsenal to take a calculated risk by signing the midfielder.
Petit, speaking through Team Talk, highlighted Pogba’s natural qualities and the attributes that could make him an ideal fit for Arsenal. He pointed out Pogba’s height, strength, and creativity as assets that could bolster Arsenal’s midfield, bringing a new dimension to Arteta’s lineup.
According to Petit, a motivated Pogba could be an incredible asset, especially when given the right environment and support. Petit believes that Arsenal, under the guidance of Arteta, could be the perfect club to help Pogba rekindle his passion for the game and showcase his true abilities.
“Honestly, Arsenal should gamble on signing Paul Pogba. He will give everything on the pitch,” Petit said, expressing his confidence in Pogba’s potential contribution.
Petit acknowledged that Pogba might need some time to regain full fitness after such a prolonged absence from competitive play, but he believes the midfielder’s eagerness to restore his reputation will drive him to work harder than ever. For Petit, the motivation Pogba has to prove himself and wash away past controversies could be a priceless asset for a manager like Arteta, who is known for fostering a positive, team-focused environment.
Petit’s comments also touched on Pogba’s need for a sense of belonging and confidence, factors that he believes Arsenal could offer. Pogba has faced scrutiny and pressure throughout his career, and Petit suggests that Arsenal’s supportive culture could be precisely what the midfielder needs to thrive.
“Pogba fits the Arsenal midfield perfectly,” Petit added, underscoring the belief that Pogba’s style aligns with Arsenal’s current tactical needs. Petit emphasized the importance of having a manager who can instill confidence and trust, attributes he feels Arteta possesses and which could help Pogba return to his best form.
The possibility of Arsenal signing Pogba raises questions about the risks and potential rewards involved. Pogba’s career has been marked by highs and lows, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by injuries and controversies. Despite these challenges, his talent and skill have never been in question.
A fully committed Pogba could bring much-needed depth to Arsenal’s squad, particularly as they contend with the demands of both the Premier League and European competition. Arteta’s focus on building a young, dynamic team would benefit from Pogba’s experience and unique skill set, as he would bring both defensive and attacking versatility.
While Arsenal has been making strides with its current roster, Petit’s suggestion reflects a desire to see the club take calculated risks to reach new heights.
A player of Pogba’s caliber, when motivated and fully fit, can be a game-changer, capable of influencing matches and providing crucial moments of creativity. Arsenal’s style of play under Arteta has evolved into a more fluid, possession-based approach, where midfield creativity plays a central role.
Pogba’s passing ability, vision, and technical skills would fit seamlessly into this system, potentially making him an asset in breaking down opponents’ defenses.
Moreover, Petit’s comments suggest that Pogba’s desire to prove himself could give him an extra edge. After facing setbacks and challenges, Pogba may be motivated to return to the field with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to remind the world of his capabilities.
In the right environment, surrounded by a supportive team and coaching staff, he could channel this drive into positive performances. Arteta’s emphasis on a cohesive team spirit could offer Pogba the structure he needs to excel, potentially making Arsenal a suitable destination as he seeks a fresh start in his career.
Of course, there are challenges associated with signing a player who has been out of action for an extended period. Arsenal would need to assess Pogba’s fitness and readiness to ensure he can handle the physical demands of the Premier League.
However, given the potential rewards, Petit’s proposal could be an intriguing prospect for Arsenal’s recruitment team. Pogba’s experience and talent, combined with his motivation to prove himself, could prove invaluable if Arsenal chooses to embrace this opportunity.
In conclusion, Emmanuel Petit’s endorsement of Paul Pogba as a potential signing for Arsenal has sparked discussion about the possible benefits and risks of bringing the former Manchester United and Juventus star to North London.
Petit sees Pogba’s qualities as aligning well with Arsenal’s needs, especially with a manager like Arteta who could provide the environment necessary for Pogba to thrive. If Arsenal were to pursue this option, it would represent a calculated gamble, but one with the potential to bring significant rewards.
As Pogba prepares for his return to training, Arsenal may indeed consider whether this move could be a strategic step in their pursuit of success.
