Emmanuel Petit says 22-year-old Arsenal player will be breakout star of 2024-25 Premier League season

Former Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit has backed Riccardo Calafiori to relish a breakout campaign for Mikel Arteta's side in the 2024-25 term.

Last month, Calafiori secured a permanent switch to the Gunners in a deal worth up to £42 million. The left-footed versatile defender signed a contract until June 2029 and is reportedly earning £120,000-a-week.

During a chat on the Planet Premier League Podcast, Petit was asked to name the breakout star of the new campaign. He replied (h/t TBR):

"Yeah, Calafiori, and I have another one, [Kaoru] Mitoma from Brighton [& Hove Albion]."

Calafiori, 22, is expected to establish himself as a regular starter in the Gunners' left-back role over Oleksandr Zinchenko this campaign. He impressed with his ball-playing ability for Bologna and Italy past term.

The five-cap Italy international helped Bologna finish fifth in the Serie A table last season, registering two goals and five assists in 30 matches.

Meanwhile, the AS Roma academy product started three of four Italy's matches at the UEFA Euro 2024. He recorded one assist in Germany.

Emmanuel Petit sends warning to Arsenal's Mikel Arteta ahead of start of new season

Speaking to online bookmaker BetVictor, Emmanuel Petit provided his thoughts on Arsenal's Premier League title hopes. He said (h/t GOAL):

"I see Arsenal growing step-by-step, but they need to add a couple more players in order to reach City's level because their squad rotation is so good. Some of [the north London outfit's] big players looked physically and mentally exhausted towards the back end of last season. I don't think City will be as strong this season."

Hinting that Mikel Arteta has to win the title this season, Petit added:

"I see them getting stronger and the gap reducing. I think this is the season where they will win another trophy under Mikel Arteta. If Arteta wants the players to trust and follow him, then he has to win something."

Petit, who represented the Gunners from 1997 to 2000, concluded:

"You cannot convince the players that you are going to achieve more and be even more competitive every season if you never win anything. If you don't win silverware, you can lose players. This season will be Arteta's most important at Arsenal so far."

Arsenal finished second in the 2022-23 Premier League campaign with 84 points before achieving a runners-up finish with 89 points last term.

The Gunners will open their 2024-25 Premier League campaign with a home league clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers this Saturday.