Arsenal have an excellent chance to embarrass Manchester United and sign Paul Pogba. According to the Daily Telegraph, Pogba is open to Premier League offers if he leaves the Red Devils this summer.
Pogba has been in 2016 when he smashed the world football transfer record in a blockbuster £89m fee. However, the Frenchman’s current deal with the Manchester side is set to expire at the end of the season which means he will be available on a free transfer.
There has been a lot of debate on whether Arsenal should pursue a deal for the midfield. And The Arsenal Way team have had their say on if he has the type of profile that will enhance Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
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Bailey Keogh - The Arsenal Way Writer/Presenter
Arsenal should be doing everything in their power to sign Paul Pogba. He would be the perfect acquisition to Arteta’s team ahead of next season.
Arteta’s new system would be perfect for Pogba as he would sit beautifully next to Thomas Partey who is occupying the number six role. has proved in recent years that he is one of the best midfielders in Europe, and the chance for Arsenal to sign him should be snatched with both hands. He was pivotal to France's world cup winning campaign in 2018, similar to Patrick Vieira and Emmanuel Petit in 1998, and Arsenal can look to repeat signing World Cup triumphers to reinstall the winners' mentality.
The fact that he is available on a free transfer makes a transfer even more desirable, as he would be the perfect solution to Arsenal’s potential midfield shortages. This is due to his ability that coincides with his experience and leadership.
He should not be solely judged on his time at Manchester United due to a disjointed dressing room. He has been exceptional for France and during his time at Juventus, so signing him would certainly elevate Arsenal’s midfield.
Tom Canton - The Arsenal Way Writer/Presenter
This is a very difficult question. For me, it is not a straight yes or no answer because there are so many variables to consider before reaching a conclusion. The debate about Paul Pogba’s quality however does not exist. The French international is a brilliant footballer and has frankly been utterly misused at Manchester United.
The factors are regarding his age, wage and fitness. Pogba missed much of this season with a serious hamstring injury and there is always a fear this could return. Whilst Pogba may be able to move on a free transfer, the player's wages are an issue. According to Spotrac, Pogba is currently on £290,000 per week at United. Perhaps he would demand even more to move? This would certainly dent my positivity of a deal.
Arsenal’s highest-paid player is Thomas Partey on £200,000 per week. Pogba would be one of the most senior and experienced players in the group but quite a jump having just moved on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s huge wage packet. Lastly, the age of 29 will spark debate about whether the years at Arsenal from the summer would return on the club’s investment.
For me, if it can be done, I would be very tempted by it. Taking a huge asset from a direct rival that drastically improves the midfield, even if for a new high on the wage bill, I believe to be worth it.
Chris Davison - The Arsenal Way Writer/Presenter
As was the case with our previous panel on Marcus Rashford, I'm also split here. If Pogba is available for free come the summer and he's open to staying in the Premier League short-term, then it's a great opportunity to add a top-quality player to the squad.
No doubt he would fit right in alongside Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard in the midfield, on paper, that's quite a scary trio to have. But as Tom mentioned above, when you factor in his age, it begs the question - is it really worth it?
Partey also turns 29 in June and in a couple of season's time, the club will likely be on the lookout for more youthful options who have several years left in them at the highest level.
Pogba's attitude and personality also concern me slightly, especially when you factor in how strict Arteta is with his non-negotiables. When it comes to talent and ability, Pogba is up there with some of the best midfielders in the game. His exquisite passing range, strength and quality on the ball can make him a nightmare to play against when his head is in the right place.
However, what we have to consider is if he is the right fit for Arsenal Football Club and the more I think about it, I'm not sure he is. Ruben Neves or Fabian Ruiz would represent more suitable options, in my opinion.
