Paul Pogba is close to a return to football and could return to the Premier League if Darren Bent has his way.

World Cup-winning French midfielder banned from football for four years in February after testing positive for high levels of testosterone in his system in September 2023.

3

This long suspension since then reduced to 18 months appeal and Pogba could start playing again in early 2025.

We are still under contract JuventusThe club reportedly made it clear it was prepared to cut ties with the 31-year-old, who was once the world’s most expensive player, when he joined. Manchester United In 2016 for £89.3 million.

This would give Pogba the freedom to go wherever he wants and although links with MLS and the Saudi Pro League remain, a return to the top flight is out of the question.

Someone who knows the Premier League better than most, a member of the 100-goal club Darren BentHe could see the Frenchman coming to the club he supported, Arsenal.

Speaking on talkSPORT Drive, he said: “I think it would have demoralized Pogba a bit. He was off the field for a while, things weren’t going so well because he had injuries before the ban.

“He still has his quality, he just didn’t show it. Arteta was good at judging characters and bringing characters into the dressing room.

“He will be able to sit Pogba down at the table and tell him what kind of character he has there and how much hunger he has left. “If Pogba is looking for his last payday, Arteta will understand and say no.”

He added: “If you can integrate Paul Pogba off the bench with the qualities he has, wow.”

Pogba first started his professional career with United in 2011, before returning from 2016 to 2022, where he was largely seen as an underachiever.

However, Bent thinks Raheem Sterling’s loan move to Arsenal shows Arsenal can help rehabilitate out-of-form players.

3

Former England striker Sterling struggled to impress at Chelsea last season but bounced back with minutes under Arteta and Bent believes Pogba could follow suit.

“Obviously it must be difficult for (Pogba) to go through something like this,” he said. “I know how hard this can be because I know people who have been through this.

“He knows he’s not in that place of power where he can command and do whatever he wants. He now knows that if he is to move to a top-flight club, he will be some sort of rotation player.

“He came to Arsenal a bit like Raheem Sterling did at Arsenal, he doesn’t get a lot of minutes but still seems to put in the effort when he gets the opportunity.

“He didn’t cause any disruption in the dressing room. I’d take Paul Pogba at Arsenal.”

He added of Sterling: “Even last night against Preston (in the 3-0 League Cup win) Sterling was running through people, still trying to make things happen and was desperate to score.”

Bent wasn’t the first to suggest a move to Arsenal alongside the former Gunner, either. Bakary Sagna preparing the field for his former teammate.

3

“It would be great; he has experience; he likes to play with the young players around him; that’s when he’s most productive,” Sagna said.

“He was at his most productive at the 2018 World Cup; he had friends around him.

“Arsenal have a young and fresh team and I see him performing in the Arsenal jersey. He will get the love of the fans.

“Now he can start from scratch again. He spent time away from football and will return to a good field with the desire to play football again.”

Pogba last appeared in a Serie A match in September 2023.