Emmanuel Petit tells Arsenal to sign Chelsea title winner as a ‘rotation’ option

Emmanuel Petit believes former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante would be an excellent signing for Arsenal in the January transfer window.

Kante is currently in his second season at Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad having left Chelsea when his contract expired last year.

The 33-year-old was instrumental in both Leicester City’s and Chelsea’s Premier League title success, while he was also key to France’s World Cup victory in 2018.

Kante was a surprise inclusion in Didier Deschamps’ France squad for Euro 2024 but was one of Les Bleus’ standout performers throughout the tournament.

Kante has left the door open for a return to European football and former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Petit believes he would be a ‘real asset’ for Mikel Arteta.

‘N’Golo Kante still has what it takes to play at the highest level, I have a huge respect for him as a player, he just might not be able to play as often as he did,’ Petit told Casino Hawks.

‘He isn’t exactly the same player as he was but he is 33 and still has real quality, his personality and his character and commitment can be so valuable to a club.

‘He is in Saudi but could still be a real asset for a team like Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, he would be top class in a rotation for Arsenal and it would be a good move for him too.

‘In terms of mentality, he would give 100 per cent for his team-mates, he brings something special.’

Meanwhile, Petit has also criticised the start that Raheem Sterling has made at Arsenal following his surprise loan move from Chelsea in the summer window.

‘Raheem Sterling has been one of the most disappointing signings of the summer,’ Petit said.

‘The environment might not have been good for him at Chelsea but he wasn’t the only one, it’s not an excuse.

‘Ever since he left Manchester City, and even before that which is why they let him go, he hasn’t been good enough and it’s hard to understand why.

‘My explanation would be that he has got so much money during his career that he is no longer hungry. He wakes up every morning without a target to reach.

‘If you want to improve as a human being and a footballer then you have to have targets every single morning. You need ambition and I don’t think he has any anymore.’

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