“He Would Say Yes” – Petit Claims France International Defender Could Join Arsenal Instead Of United Or Chelsea

Nice defender Jean-Clair Todbo would sign for Arsenal if the Gunners made a move for the France international, according to Emmanuel Petit.

Speaking to Compare.bet, Petit said that Mikel Arteta’s side need to strengthen their options in the middle of defence and Todibo could be the ideal candidate:


“It’s not a secret that Arsenal need to buy a central defender. When either Saliba or Gabriel are missing, the replacement options are a huge step down in quality. Todibo is doing really well with Nice and could definitely be an option for Arsenal.”

“If he was offered the move, I’m sure he would say yes but it would be a huge risk to move midseason when there is a European Championships in the summer and he is playing so well at his current club.”

Todibo has been heavily linked with Arsenal’s Premier League rivals

Manchester United are believed to have kept tabs on the former Barcelona player for quite some time, and there are credible reports claiming that they could make a move for him during the January transfer window.

Todibo has also been tipped to replace Thiago Silva if the Chelsea defender decides to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

Arsenal will prioritise other positions in the transfer market

The Gunners are not exactly short of options at centre-back. In addition to the likes of Saliba, Gabriel and Jakub Kiwior, both Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu can be deployed in that position if required. Although he is injured at the moment, summer signing Jurrien Timber also played there regularly at his previous team Ajax

It is believed that the main focus for sporting director Edu and his recruitment team is to bring in a midfielder when the transfer window reopens.

Watch the Chris Wheatley Show on Shots!TV here as Chris discusses the latest on Douglas Luiz, Arsenal’s injury situation and Charlie Patino’s future

David Tully

David Tully

David has worked as a football reporter for the last fifteen years. Having started as an intern at Snack Media, he then went on to become a freelancer, working on various different sites. At the start of 2023, he took up his current role as content writer for National World's Football News Network.