The Gunners were active across the summer transfer window, penning permanent deals for David Raya, Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino, while welcoming Raheem Sterling on a season-long loan from rivals Chelsea.
But according to the former Gunners ace Petit, Arsenal transfer chief Edu can still make one key improvement to their squad, in order to amend his transfer mistakes from windows gone.
During an exclusive interview with Express Sport, in association with Bet Victor, Petit said: “Adrien Rabiot is someone who they could’ve gone for, he’s still a free agent.
“I understand that his financial demands are huge, but I still don’t get how he is still without a club. He is someone that they could have signed.”
Rabiot has been subject to Premier League interest before, with Manchester United and most recently Liverpool linked to the French midfielder, who has been out of contract since leaving Juventus at the end of last season.
Petit insists signing Rabiot will add depth to a key area for Arsenal, as they look to lift their first Premier League title since 2003/04.
But the 53-year-old also insists it will make up for the Gunners not snatching Alexis Mac Allister when he made the £35million move to Liverpool last summer.
Emmanuel Petit has spoken out regarding Arsenal's business. (Image: Getty)
On the Argentine, Petit added: “I’m a big fan of Mac Allister but obviously Liverpool signed him. When he was leaving Brighton I was hoping Arsenal would get both him and Moises Caicedo. They could have reunited that duo in midfield.”
Away from the transfer market, Petit did admit that Mikel Arteta is in the midst of a make-or-break season at the Emirates Stadium.
Having already conceded ground to reigning champions Manchester City, Petit maintains Arteta has to deliver silverware of some kind this season, or else questions about his premiership will be asked.
Petit told Express Sport: “This season is Mikel Arteta’s most important so far in his time at the club. It is a big season for the players as well
“Arteta has come so close to winning something for the past couple of seasons, but if you want players to keep confidence in you then you have to win trophies. If you want to convince them to trust you, your tactics and your vision then you must win silverware.
"You can keep improving year after year, but eventually you need to win something. If they don’t win anything this season, then next year it will be very difficult for Arteta to bring the same ambition with the players. They may start to question why they can’t win anything despite being one of the best teams in Europe.”Before finishing up by saying: “If you want to build a winning mentality then you must win things, that’s how football works. Arteta and his team have worked so hard and they deserve to win something.”
Emmanuel Petit was speaking to Express Sport on behalf of Bet Victor.
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