Speaking exclusively with BOYLE Sports , football icon Emmanuel Petit has given his thoughts on the summer transfer business facing Arsenal and Chelsea .
The 1998 World Cup winner has backed Manu Kone as a great addition for Arsenal , named Nico Williams as his dream signing, and urged caution over Maxence Lacroix 's links to Chelsea .
The former Arsenal and Chelsea man has also explained why Xabi Alonso must build his squad around experience, and why he is not convinced Enzo Fernandez can be talked into staying at Stamford Bridge .
Arsenal Targets
Arsenal Linked With Manu Kone?
Manu Kone has the potential, physically, mentally, and technically. There are many things he can do in the middle of the park; he can recover the ball, play in transition, and be box-to-box. He still has a big margin for improvement, so he is already a good player who can become a very good one.
He would be a great signing for the team in terms of quality and mentality. From what I hear, he is a good lad who always wants to improve. He does everything to get success on the pitch. The way he has played in France and now in Italy shows he has developed himself in the right way, step-by-step. He would be a really good addition. There are a few targets for Arsenal , and if they can get Kone , that would be a great addition.
Who Would Be Your Dream Arsenal Signing?
Arsenal probably need one more striker and a left winger. We should also look at midfield players, perhaps an attacking midfielder. There are a few different positions in the team that Arsenal needs to improve.
My dream signing, I have said it for 18 months now, Nico Williams . I know he has been injured many times since the Euros with Spain , but he impressed me a lot during that competition. The left winger position has been an area Arsenal has struggled to improve, so that is one of the priorities.
Chelsea
Are Chelsea Right to Target Lacroix?
Chelsea have had work to do for many years in that position, and the striker position too. I don't know what Maxence Lacroix wants to do, but he has been at Crystal Palace , where he improved a lot and wants success. It is a big decision.
He has to think very carefully because if he goes to Chelsea , some positions have struggled in the last few years, the goalkeeper, central defender, and striker. We don't have a clear idea of what Xabi Alonso wants to do yet, or who wants to stay or leave. There is so much speculation; they already lost Marc Cucurella . They could also lose Enzo Fernandez in the middle of the park. I have no idea what the team at Chelsea will look like next season.
Lacroix is a target, but there are so many central defenders. If he goes there, he must have a guarantee. Alonso must give him full confidence to play straight away. If I were Lacroix , I would think twice because there is no guarantee he will improve the way he has been doing with Crystal Palace .
What Areas Must Chelsea Address?
Chelsea need experienced players because they have so many young players. Alonso needs to implement a clear idea of how he wants to play. The way he managed Leverkusen was brilliant, but Madrid is a totally different environment on and off the pitch.
In modern football, you need proper wingers who can make a difference. I'm not really convinced with Pedro Neto because, like with Portugal , he has speed but doesn't always cause trouble for the opposition. There are many players playing without confidence. They lack a clear idea of what to do on the pitch. The same applies to Cole Palmer ; is he going to stay? There are so many questions around Chelsea . It will depend on Alonso and the personality of the players he chooses.
Last season, they were missing confidence on big occasions, so experienced players will be very important.
Enzo Fernandez
Can Enzo Fernandez Impress Alonso at Chelsea?
Chelsea fans feel that Enzo Fernandez is no longer committed to the club. He was punished previously for his comments, and that is a reflection of what he thinks inside. It seems obvious he doesn't want to stay.
Real Madrid say they are not interested anymore, which might be a financial matter. When I watch him, I wonder what his best position is: is he a midfielder, a winger, or a nine and a half? I don't know what his mission is on the pitch. His communication has not been good for months. If you ask Chelsea fans, they will say he has to leave. Forcing him to stay is a risk, as it takes weeks to change the fans' mentality.
I would love him to be a leader at Chelsea , but does he want to? It's clear he doesn't, so I'm not sure Xabi Alonso can change that.
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