Emmanuel Petit believes it could be difficult for Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior to hit the ground running at Arsenal.
The Gunners have brought in Trossard, 28, from Brighton and Kiwior, 22, from Spezia during this window. Arsenal's transfer business may not be finished, as it is believed they are interested in Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi and Real Valladolid's Ivan Fresneda.
Arsenal fans are happy with their club's January deals and it is hoped they will help them to a first Premier League title in 19 seasons. Mikel Arteta's side are five points clear of champions Manchester City in second at the top of the table with a game in hand.
Yet former Arsenal midfielder Petit believes it could take time for both players to settle. Trossard scored seven goals and provided three assists in 16 Premier League games for Brighton this season, but Petit thinks playing for Arsenal is a "different challenge".
"It’s not easy when you come into a team mid season like this, especially a team that’s working so well," Petit told Sporting Post. "It can be difficult because it’s going to take time to settle, to get into the dressing room and to understand exactly what Arteta is asking.
"He just needs time and patience because he has qualities but he needs time to show those qualities. I had the feeling that it would be difficult for him for the first few games, it’s impossible to judge him now."
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Trossard made his Arsenal debut in their 3-2 victory against Premier League rivals Manchester United at the Emirates last time out. The Belgium international came off the bench in the 82nd minute and played a role in Eddie Nketiah's last-gasp winner.
Trossard is eligible to feature in Arsenal's FA Cup clash against Man City at the Etihad on Friday night, which will be the first time the two Premier League title candidates have played each other this season. They will not meet in the league until February 15.
Kiwior could make his Arsenal debut against Pep Guardiola's side. The Poland international, who can play in defence or midfield, joined the Gunners after impressing in Serie A. Yet Petit is worried Kiwior is too inexperienced to make an instant impact in England.
Petit said: "He is energetic and has good technique and he is very aggressive on the ball. It’s difficult to get past him and he always wins the ball. But I’m not sure if he can yet play as a holding midfielder in the Premier League because he’s young and still has to improve."
But Petit thinks Kiwior will benefit from being part of Arsenal's young squad. Ben White, Bukayo Saka, Kieran Tiernery, Martin Odegaard, Aaron Ramsdale, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe are all 25 or younger.
Petit added: "He will need time, but he is young like the rest of the team which I think is important... I think it’s a great time for a young footballer to come into a team like this."
