Listen to Patrick Vieira: what should Arsenal’s next transfer move be?

Here’s something you don’t see too often: a former Arsenal star, who is currently managing Manchester City’s ‘Elite Development Squad’, commenting on an ex-Manchester United player, who also happens to be a current Arsenal target.

Got all that? Let’s try it again. Ex-Arsenal midfielder, current Manchester City ambassador, Patrick Vieira recently spoke about how he admires Paul Pogba, a man who effectively forced a move out of Manchester United. Since then, Pogba has built a real name for himself at Juventus and has attracted attention from Arsene Wenger, who certainly has a thing for classy French midfielders.

Which brings us to another link: Paul Pogba and Patrick Vieira’s playing styles are not all that dissimilar. Both are tough, physical midfielders who work hard, but can also control possession, run with the ball and open up defenses.

Yet whilst Patrick’s playing career is over, Pogba’s is just beginning. He’s just 20-years-old, but he’s already made 40 appearances for Juventus and made 3 appearances for the French international side.

So let’s take a look at Vieira’s comments, courtesy of The Star:

“His talent on the pitch, his aggression, his presence, is very rare. He very quickly earned the respect of players like Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. It is true that you have to win over the manager too, but to have the dressing room like he did [was impressive]. It was truly a huge loss when he left the club.”

It may seem strange to describe a 20-year-old leaving Old Trafford as a huge loss. But Paul Pogba’s the real deal. Patrick Vieira knows what he’s talking about here. He’s an ‘Elite Development Coach’ after all (I’ll never get used to that name).

This makes Arsenal’s links to the player all the more interesting. Whilst they already have a midfield full of talent, it seems that Pogba has the ability to improve it.

Unfortunately for the Gunners, Pogba is keen to prove himself in Serie A and there’s even talk of him receiving a new deal. Arsenal would have to offer Juventus a huge sum of cash in order to push through their move for the player.

As such, a deal is unlikely. But the Gunners do have enough capital to tempt the Serie A side to sell.

It’ll certainly be interesting to see if Arsene Wenger truly shares his Vieira’s admiration for the Pogba.

What’s your take? Is Paul Pogba as good as Patrick Vieira claims he is? Should Arsenal swoop in for him?

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