One of the first ‘big’ recruits of the Qatari Paris Saint-Germain era, centre-back Alex enjoyed himself for a couple of years in the French capital.
During his time there, the Ligue 1 runners-up brought in a certain Lucas Moura, pipping Manchester United to the Brazilian winger’s signature, a move that has served them well yet one that remains underwhelming.
So much so, in fact, that the now retired centre-back, who left PSG in 2014, is telling his compatriot to leave France and go to a new league, like the Premier League.
More specifically at a decent club, such as Arsenal.
He told L’Equipe: “If I were him, I’d have already left to make a name for myself elsewhere. Spanish football could suit him. He could profit from the space to use his speed and technique. Even England isn’t that crazy. I would have seen him at Arsenal.
“They play a cleaner football, more technical. He had a few touches, I think. It would be a good option for him this coming winter”.
With Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain now at Liverpool and Theo Walcott being sent by the transfer rumour mill to other clubs in the Premier League, replacing them with a cheapish Lucas Moura might not be the worst idea.
After all, Paris Saint-Germain might struggle to fully recoup the £35m+ they initially invested in him, even in this market for a few reasons: his contract is running out in 2019 and he’s a bit part player.
With the arrival of Kylian Mbappé and Neymar, his time on the pitch has been reduced considerably this season, only making two appearances, both off the bench, totalling to 36 minutes of first-team football.
A January move certainly is something the 25-year-old should consider.
Whether Arsenal, who were indeed said to be interested in him over the summer, come knocking, however, remains to be seen.
