Arsenal super Star bod emotional farewell to Arteta and ArsenalPaul Pogba to Arsenal: A Gamble Worth Taking?

The football world has been buzzing with speculation about Paul Pogba’s next destination after his tumultuous period away from the game. With his doping ban now reduced and ended, the French midfielder is free to resume his career. Among the clubs being linked with the 31-year-old, Arsenal has emerged as an intriguing possibility, largely thanks to the vocal support of former Gunner Bacary Sagna.

Arsenal legend Bacary Sagna has been perhaps the most vocal advocate for bringing Pogba to North London. “The Premier League suits Paul Pogba – I would love to see him join Arsenal,” Sagna declared, making a compelling case for why the move makes sense for both parties.

Sagna’s reasoning goes beyond mere sentiment. He believes Pogba’s experience could be invaluable to Arsenal’s young squad, particularly in their ongoing quest for Premier League glory. “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.” This desperation to prove himself again could be exactly what Arsenal needs from a marquee signing.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect from a financial perspective. Pogba is currently a free agent after being released by Juventus following a ban for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug. For a club like Arsenal, who have been prudent in the transfer market under Mikel Arteta, securing a player of Pogba’s caliber without a transfer fee represents exceptional value.

Pogba’s journey back to football has been anything but straightforward. It seemed that Pogba’s career would be over as he was slapped with a four-year penalty, but with that now reduced to 18 months, it means he could be back in action as soon as March 2025. The reduction in his ban has opened doors that seemed permanently closed just months ago.

What makes this potential move even more intriguing is the timeline. Any club doing a deal with Pogba could see him start to train from January 2025, giving him ample opportunity to gain his fitness. This means Arsenal could theoretically secure his services in the January transfer window, giving him months to integrate into Arteta’s system before making his competitive return.

However, recent reports suggest Pogba himself is taking a measured approach to his comeback. Paul Pogba’s 18-month ban from football officially ended on Tuesday, but he has decided to delay joining a new club, sources have told ESPN. This patience might actually work in Arsenal’s favor, as it suggests Pogba is serious about choosing the right project for his return

From Arsenal’s perspective, Pogba could address several tactical needs. The Gunners have been blessed with young talent in midfield, but they sometimes lack the physical presence and experience that Pogba brings. His ability to dictate tempo, combined with his aerial prowess and long-range passing, could add a different dimension to Arsenal’s play.

Arteta has shown he can rehabilitate controversial figures and get the best out of experienced players. The transformation of players like Granit Xhaka (before his departure) and the way he’s managed other strong personalities suggests he has the managerial acumen to handle Pogba’s return to English football.

Sagna believes the fit would be natural: “A short-term contract would be beneficial for all parties. It would facilitate Paul’s return to the sport while helping him regain his full fitness and showcase his true quality once again.” This approach minimizes risk while maximizing potential reward.

Of course, any potential Pogba signing wouldn’t be without its concerns. His time at Manchester United was marked by inconsistency and drama, and there are legitimate questions about whether he can still perform at the highest level after such a long layoff.

The doping ban, while reduced, still casts a shadow over his reputation. Some Arsenal fans might question whether the club should associate itself with a player who has faced such serious allegations, regardless of the circumstances.

There’s also the matter of competition. Manchester City have been warned off a transfer gamble on free agent Paul Pogba, with the Premier League no longer a “good fit” for the Frenchman. While this criticism might work in Arsenal’s favor by reducing competition for his signature, it also highlights concerns about his suitability for English football’s intensity.

Recent reports suggest other clubs are circling, with Monaco emerging as a serious contender for his services. This competition could drive up wage demands and complicate any potential Arsenal move.

In the modern transfer market, Arsenal’s approach under Arteta and sporting director Edu has been characterized by intelligent, calculated risks. The Pogba situation fits this profile perfectly. At 31, he still has several years of high-level football ahead of him, and his talent has never been in question.

The free transfer status makes the financial risk minimal, and a short-term contract could protect Arsenal from long-term commitment while giving Pogba the platform he needs to rebuild his career. If it works, Arsenal get a world-class midfielder who could be the final piece in their title puzzle. If it doesn’t, they cut ties with minimal financial damage.

Sagna’s endorsement carries weight not just because of his Arsenal connections, but because of his understanding of both the club’s culture and Pogba’s character. His belief that Arsenal’s young players would thrive alongside Pogba’s experience suggests there could be benefits beyond just his individual contribution.

As Arsenal continue their pursuit of Premier League glory, the Pogba question represents the kind of bold decision that could define their season. In a league where marginal gains often determine champions, the addition of a motivated, experienced midfielder could be exactly what separates Arsenal from their title rivals.

Whether Arsenal choose to pursue this particular gamble remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Paul Pogba’s return to football will be one of the most fascinating stories of the 2025 calendar year, and Arsenal have positioned themselves as potential beneficiaries of his redemption arc.