Petit argued that Benzema will not be able to handle the physicality of the Premier League due of his age
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Arsenal midfielder, Emmanuel Petit has kicked against the signing of ex-Real Madrid captain and compatriot, Karim Benzema by his old club.
Benzema, who currently plays for Al-Ittihad, has been linked with an exit from the Saudi Pro League side.
The Frenchman, who is said to be eyeing a move to top European leagues has attracted interest from Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.
However, Petit wants the Gunners, who are also in the market for a center-forward this January transfer window, to snub a move for Benzema.
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According to him, the Premier League will be too physical for a man who is currently 34 years.
He went on to say Arsenal or any other European club will not be able to afford what the striker is being paid in Saudi Arabia.
Petit speaking with Compare Bet (as quoted by Metro) said: “What is the price for Benzema? Do you have any idea how much Benzema will be earning in Saudi? I don’t think any English club will be able to offer him the same amount of money. It is Benzema’s choice if he comes back but after winning everything with Real Madrid and being 34-years-old, I don’t think he will want to come to the Premier League.
“It is so physical, it is so mentally hard, it’s not La Liga, with all the respect for him, he played for probably the biggest club in the world with great success, but it is not the Premier League. I’m not confident Arsenal should go to Benzema, they should go for someone else.”
