Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes Mikel Arteta should “bet on signing Paul Pogba” from Juventus.

Pogba is free to return to training in January and is eligible to play in March having had his four-year ban for doping reduced to 18 months following an appeal.

The Frenchman joined Juventus in the summer of 2022 after six years at Man Utd, who signed him from the Italian giants for a record fee of £89 million after letting him leave for nothing four years previously.

It appears that Juventus have no intention of reinstating Pogba into the first team, increasing the possibility of a January transfer.

The Old Lady are reportedly willing to let the 31-year-old leave on a free transfer and could reach a mutual termination of his contract.

Speaking after his call-up was reduced, Pogba said: “Where would I like to play? On the ground! I would love to be on the field! Any location. First at Juventus I want to start training with teammates. It’s hard to train alone – it just happens! The main goal is to get back training and fit, to be on the pitch and doing what I love.

“First of all, I am at Juventus under contract. I will see what they think and their vision. My vision is to show that I am a footballer. A new Paul Pogba with the same qualities. I’m always ready.

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Arsenal have been added to the mix as a potential – and unrealistic – next club for the World Cup winner and former Gunners midfielder Petit thinks they should “bet” on him.

“Paul Pogba will become a free transfer at 32,” Petit said last week. “I don’t remember the last time I saw him smile.

“Pogba wants revenge, he wants to prove to himself and to fans around the world that he is not finished yet. The France team has missed him.

“He is apparently working very hard to get back into shape. I know Pogba’s personality, I know he will do everything to get back on the pitch.

“Honestly, Arsenal should bet on signing Paul Pogba. He will give everything on the pitch. It will take him a few weeks to be fully fit, but he will be so eager to clear his name.

“There is a motivation that is priceless for a manager like Mikel Arteta. Pogba fits perfectly into the Arsenal midfield, he is big, strong and very creative.

“We all know how happy Pogba is, he needs love and trust, I think Arteta and Arsenal can give him that.”

He is not the first former Arsenal player to approve of the move. Last month, Bacary Sagna claimed Pogba would thrive in young Gunners team.

“That would be great – he’s got experience; he loves playing with young players around him – that’s where he’s most effective,” he said.

“Arsenal have a young and fresh team, and I see him playing in an Arsenal shirt. He will receive love from their fans.