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Emmanuel Petit explains why Arsenal will sell Folarin Balogun this summer

Emmanuel Petit explains why Arsenal will sell Folarin Balogun this summerDAZN

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has recommended that the Londoners sign at least four players this summer.

Mikel Arteta’s team are ahead of Manchester City in the race for the Premier League title but Pep Guardiola’s side are closing in as Arsenal struggle to find their best form again.

That has led to speculation that Arsenal will fail to deal with the pressure during the title run-in and Petit, a title-winner with Arsenal under Arsene Wenger, pointed towards a lack of squad depth as a potential reason for their troubles.

Speaking to Legal Sports Books, Petit suggested the areas the team need to reinforce when the transfer window opens back up.

“In midfield I think they need to add at least two players,” he began.

“Someone who can play in Odegaard’s position. A central defender as well. When you look at the big teams in Europe they've got four strong defenders to choose from. You need to have some competition for players to earn their place. They've got two right backs but Tomiyasu has been injured for such a long time. 

"Ben White has been tremendous but you cannot expect players not to be injured during the season, so I think that we need probably four or five new players in the team, especially in midfield, central defenders and upfront. I don't know if they will continue with the strikers they have. They've got Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus.”

He also suggested that striker Folarin Balogun, on fire in Ligue 1 this season as he performs on loan for Reims, would be let go to raise funds.

“Folarin Balogun I think will be put on the market to be sold,” he added.

“There are so many clubs in France, and not just in France, who are very interested in him. 

“Martinelli has been tremendous and Saka as well, but you can feel, especially with Saka, that he's been tired recently. Trossard can play as a right winger or as a left winger but you probably need one more player that can play on the wings.”

A win over City on Wednesday April 26 at the Etihad could swing the pendulum back in the London club's favour. All the info you need on how to watch that huge potential title-decider can be found here.

Arsenal are also chasing glory in the UEFA Women's Champions League, and begin their two-legged semi-final against Wolfsburg in Germany on Sunday April 23rd. You can watch both games live on DAZN's official YouTube channel.

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