Former Arsenal star Bacary Sagna believes his old team should sign Paul Pogba once he has completed his suspension from football – saying his arrival at the Emirates would “benefit everyone”, as reported by TheSun.
Pogba has not played a competitive game since August 2023 and was handed a four-year ban later that year after he tested positive for a banned substance – subsequently having his contract terminated by Juventus.
But the Frenchman saw his doping ban reduced to 18 months following an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, meaning he will be able to return in March 2025.
Sagna – who played with Pogba for the France national team – feels Arsenal should look at the ex-Manchester United star as an option on a short-term deal.
He told Megadice: “I’ve always said that Paul Pogba would be a good addition for Arsenal. I believe he could be an asset to the club. With his creativity, having him on a short-term contract would benefit everyone. It would help Paul get back into football and get him back to full fitness and quality.”
Pogba was seen as one of the world’s best midfielders at his peak, joining Manchester United for £89million in 2016 and winning the World Cup in 2018. However, he suffered from injuries and inconsistency, which led to plenty of criticism from fans and pundits before leaving Old Trafford for Juventus in 2022.
There had been suggestions he could return to Old Trafford for the third time, although they have now been dismissed as he goes in search of his next employers.
Speaking after his ban was reduced, Pogba said: “I’m still the same player but with a different hunger,” he said. “I am more motivated. I am more hungry. “I will appreciate the game more than before after it was taken away from me. I realised how important it was for me. I tasted what life is after the career.”
While Pogba can start training with a club in January, it is unlikely any club would want to sign Pogba until next season given that they would not be able to use him until March – plus he would also be lacking match fitness.
Sagna – who featured 284 times for the Gunners between 2007 and 2014 – was also asked for his top signing he would make for Arsenal if he were in charge and named Sporting Lisbon forward Viktor Gyokeres.
Gyokeres has become one of the most sought-after strikers in football after netting 66 times in the last two seasons, earning him links to Manchester United, with Sagna left raving about his displays.
“I would love Arsenal to sign Viktor Gyökeres, the Swedish striker who plays for Sporting Lisbon,” Sagna added. “He’s amazing, honestly. I didn’t know much about his personality, but after watching him play. Wow! I think he’s amazing.”
