Arsenal Legend Robert Pires believes Antoine Griezmann should turn down an approach from Manchester United for a switch to the Emirates this summer.
The World Cup winner insists that the 25-year-old could learn more at Arsenal than at rivals United, who have been tipped to secure his services.
The Atletico Madrid striker has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer with some sources suggesting that the deal is almost finalized between the clubs.
However, Pires, who was part of the ‘Invincibles squad’ in the 2003-04 season, is not sure where his compatriot’s future would lie but feels that the forward could progress well under the guidance of Arsene Wenger.
Wenger’s current deal is due to expire at the end of the current campaign, but Pires appears to want the coach to stay alongside Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez – in order to lure Griezmann to the Emirates this summer.
“I think it is just speculation for now that Griezmann is joining Manchester United, just rumours. Why could we not see him at Arsenal?” Pires said in a Youtube interview with Natacha Tannous.
“I think he has a good profile for Arsenal. I think he can learn a lot from [Arsene] Wenger, with [Mesut] Ozil, Alexis [Sanchez], [Santi] Cazorla. Fingers crossed.
“You have to buy good players for the fans and you have to spend a lot of money. This is the new football.”
Griezmann has regularly turned down speculation over a move to the Premier League, and he may yet stay put with Atletico Madrid after having only inked a five-year deal prior to the start of the campaign.
The France international who has a £85m release clause in his contract, has recently credited Diego Simeone for turning him into a top-class player, and his exit could coincide with the manager’s exit which is unlikely to occur until the summer of 2018.
Despite Atleti’s mixed fortunes this term, Griezmann has kept up his performance levels with 18 goals in 36 outings in all competitions.
