Exclusive: Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit makes bold Saudi Pro League claim amid Gabriel transfer links

Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit told SPORTbible that some players moving to the Saudi Pro League needed to “look themselves in the mirror”.

On Monday, the Mirror claimed Arsenal centre-back Gabriel was the latest big-name star to have attracted interest from Saudi Arabia.

The publication added that Mikel Arteta’s side are aware of the interest but it remains to be seen whether they would be open to selling, having previously rebuffed interest in the 25-year-old.

While Gabriel was a mainstay during Arsenal’s title challenge last term, the Saudi Pro League has tempted Europe’s biggest names to the burgeoning division.

The likes of Karim Benzema, Neymar and Jordan Henderson have all followed Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia, seemingly swayed by the Gulf state’s riches.

‌And while Petit, who won the Premier League and FA Cup double with Arsenal in 1997/98, empathised with players looking to join the Saudi Pro League towards the end of their careers, he questioned the ambition of younger stars interested in a move there.

Speaking exclusively to SPORTbible, courtesy of DAZN, the World Cup winner said: “If I was at the end of my career it would be easier for me [to consider moving to the Saudi Pro League] but if I am 24 or 25 years old and I’m choosing to leave European football for Saudi Arabia, we all know the reason - It’s just because of the money.

“There is no sporting reason to go over there. If you want to maintain a high level, if you want to play against the best players, if you want to play with your national team, in European competitions or World Cup competitions, then you need to play against the best players every single weekend.

“You need to play competitive football every three days. Champions League, European Cups. Fighting in the best league which is the Premier League gives you the best argument to play at the highest level.

“If you decide to leave in your 20s to Saudi Arabia, it is just because of the money. There is no sporting reason. So you need to look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself the simple question, ‘Am I going to Saudi Arabia for the right reasons?’”

While the eye-watering sums proposed by Saudi clubs have been tempting for players, Arsenal are reportedly under no pressure to sell Gabriel and have not yet received a firm bid for the defender.