Emmanuel Petit has explained why Arsenal could have a greater chance of signing Neymar than Manchester United this summer. The 31-year-old winger has been heavily linked with an exit from Les Parc des Princes recently, with Paris Saint-Germain said to be plotting a summer clear-out.
It's said that the French giants are keen to offload Neymar in order to free up space on their wage bill. In fact, they're said to be so eager to sell the Brazil international that they would be willing to accept a 'significantly reduced' offer for his signature, according to Brazilian outlet UOL.
Neymar has faced plenty of criticism from PSG supporters, with some fans even turning up outside his house and telling him to leave. With the former Barcelona star expected to leave in the coming weeks, Arsenal have been encouraged to wrap up a marquee signing.
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In an interview with Genting Casino, Petit insisted that Neymar should leave the French capital and try his luck in the Premier League. The 52-year-old said: "I would love to see Neymar in the Premier League.
"Both he and Messi are under so much criticism at PSG and they both are getting frustrated at what people are saying in the media. They are both artists. Neymar has been below expectations in his fifth season and he has been injured for half the season.
"I have always been a fan of Neymar. I love the way he plays football but he needs teammates who understand his artistry. You can't ask him to play the ball back or make continuous runs. You just need to give him a chance with the ball - just like Messi with Argentina at the World Cup.
"I have always thought Neymar should stay at PSG, but in the last couple of weeks I have changed my mind. On the radio, I always say: 'Neymar if you are listening to this, leave the club!' In the best interest of PSG, they should split from each other as his mind is not there anymore.
"Did you see what happened outside his house a couple of weeks ago? This is football we are talking about here, this is so over the top! I’m pretty sure he wants to leave and PSG will be happy if he goes as well."
Then, Petit reasoned as to why Arsenal are better placed to sign Neymar than United. The Frenchman added: "I think Neymar will suit any big club. If he comes to Arsenal, I would love it and I think he will too.
"I think he will enjoy the technical football and the style of Arsenal. He would love to play with younger players as he is quite mature himself. He will also have revenge on his mind with everything that he has been going through at PSG, and the tears he shed at the World Cup.
"I think he will be happy to move to Arsenal if that is the case. He can play on the left and the right, and because of his ankle injuries he can be a player in rotation.
"If he goes to Man Utd, I will be very happy for them and the Premier League. They have Rashford and Sancho who can man both wings, but also have the skills to rotate so Neymar can easily fit into that cycle."
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag refused to rule out a bid for Neymar with a short, but simple, message. With a grin on his face, the United boss said: "When we have news we will tell you."
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