Emmanuel Petit believes there could be “an opportunity” for Arsenal to sign Allan Saint-Maximin this summer. Injuries have hampered the 25-year-old’s season, with no Premier League starts since August 28.
Since his return, Eddie Howe has limited Saint-Maximin’s appearances to cameos from the bench. Joelinton is currently holding down a place on the left flank - raising questions over the Frenchman’s future.
A man who was once indispensable to the Magpies’ cause is now a peripheral figure struggling to regain his first-team place. Ex-Arsenal midfielder Petit has called on Mikel Arteta to rescue Saint-Maximin from St James’ Park.
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As it stands, the Gunners already have Gabriel Martinelli marauding down the left wing. Signing Leandro Trossard - who also plays there - means a move for the Toon maverick would be surprising.
Saint-Maximin has played all across the front three in a black-and-white shirt but Howe has always preferred him cutting inside from a wide left position. Speaking to Ice36, Petit urged his former club to monitor the winger’s situation at the end of the season.
“If Saint-Maximin can improve his decision-making and do the right things at the right moments,” he said. “Just like Martinelli, I can imagine him being a revelation at Arsenal. He has so much pace and makes the difference with the ball at his feet. One against one, he is fearless when he faces defenders.
“How will he respond to being on the bench at Newcastle? I’m pretty sure at the end of the season, if his situation is the same, there will be some big talks between him and Newcastle.
“Maybe there is an opportunity for Arsenal if he is unhappy or unsettled. He is not the first name on the team sheet anymore and he was the star at the club before everything changed. Now he is on the bench. Football moves fast.”
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