Former Arsenal and France star Emmanuel Petit believes that the Gunners should consider adding Paul Pogba to the squad.
Pogba was staring retirement in the eyes when he received a four-year ban from football, but the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled earlier this month that he inadvertently took DHEA, a substance that boosts testosterone that is on WADA’s banned list.
It is understood that CAS’ ruling allows Pogba to recommence training in January 2025, with a view to playing again in March the same year.
Fans are now waiting to see where the former Manchester United midfielder will be playing, with him understood to be in negotiations to leave Juventus – the club he is contracted to and last played for.
And Petit, who is, like Pogba, a former World Cup winner with France, believes Mikel Arteta’s side could do a lot worse than take a punt on the 31-year-old.
Former Arsenal and France star Emmanuel Petit believes that Paul Pogba could be a worthwhile signing for Arsenal
The Frenchman is nearing a return to football after having a four-year ban reduced to 18 months
Petit believes that Mikel Arteta could make good use of the 31-year-old, who is worth the gamble
‘Honestly, Arsenal should 100 per cent gamble on signing Paul Pogba.’ Petit told Jeffbet. ‘He will give everything on the pitch.
‘It will take him a few weeks to get fully fit, but he will be so eager to wash his name.
‘There is a motivation that is priceless to a manager like Mikel Arteta.’
Passion and hunger are undoubtedly desirable qualities for an elite footballer by Petit is under illusions how difficult it will be for the Pogba to return to the top table of the sport.
The midfielder has not played a competitive fixture since September, while his 2022-23 campaign was restricted to just 10 games in all competitions because of a knee injury.
With all this considered Petit realises that it will be a tall order for Pogba to turn out for top European side, in fact he reckons it would be a miracle.
Pogba has not played a competitive match for more than a year. He is able to resume training in the new year
‘I’m very happy for him, very happy for him,’ Petit exclusively told Mail Sport. ‘But he’s right now, 31 or 32, something like that, the last time he played a proper game was a year ago, in September.
‘For me, it will be a miracle if he can come back at the highest level. He’s got the quality as a footballer. Can he get the energy as a human being to fill the expectation? I’m not really convinced about that.’
