Paul Pogba makes Premier League return decision following brutal exit and Arsenal links

Paul Pogba is not expected to consider a return to Manchester United as he contemplates his next move. The 31-year-old - who has been linked with a shock switch to Mikel Arteta's Arsenal - is a free agent after Juventus terminated his contract last week.

Pogba has not played a competitive minute of first-team football since August 2023 after failing a doping test. He was subsequently handed a four-year ban that looked like it would end his professional playing career. However, after an appeal, the ban has since been reduced to 18 months. It means that Pogba is free to resume training in January and make his return to competitive action in March.

In a statement confirming his Juventus departure, Pogba said: "There are times when things don't go the way we want, but one thing is certain: the bond I have with you, dear fans, will remain unforgettable. "You have given me so much, more than I can express in words, and I will always carry with me all the affection you have given me. You will always be in my heart. Good luck @juventus."

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There had been speculation suggesting that Pogba could re-join United for his third spell, but he is not expected to consider a return to Old Trafford, according to The Mirror. The France international is currently training in Miami and is looking to join a club in Europe's top five leagues.

Last month, former France defender Bacary Sagna tipped Pogba to make the switch to Arsenal. "The Premier League suits Paul Pogba – I would love to see him join Arsenal," Sagna told Paddy Power.

"It would be great – he has experience; he loves to play with young players around him – that is when he is most efficient. At the 2018 World Cup, that was when he was most efficient – he had friends around him. Arsenal have a young, fresh team, and I see him performing in an Arsenal shirt. He will get love from their fans.

"Now, he can start from scratch again – he’s had time away from football, and he’ll be back with a desire to get back into a good space and play football again."