Arsenal technical director Edu told The Sun that the club’s former big-money names were hurting the north London club.
The former Gunner joined the club in the summer of 2019 becoming the first ever technical director of the English giants. Since then he has seen an overhaul of the squad that was present upon his arrival.
The Emirates club have made an impressive start to the transfer window with five new signings including Gabriel Jesus and Alex Zinchenko who joined from Manchester City. When the Brazilian was asked about some of the big names that used to be at the club, he responded by saying(as per The Sun):
“When a player’s 26 or older, has a big salary and is not performing, he’s killing you. In the past, 80 percent of the squad had those characteristics and there was no chance anyone would buy them.”
Edu also spoke about the players not being valued in the transfer market and that they were comfortable in London as he told:
“They don’t have a transfer value and are comfortable on a long contract living in London. So, we needed to clean the squad and if we had to pay some to go, I considered it an investment.”
Arsenal Fever View:
There is a clear plan being implemented at the Emirates since last summer as the Gunners have targeted players of a specific profile. They fit into the style of football that Mikel Arteta wants to play and that should help push the club towards the Champions League.
As Edu said, the club had to pay to make some players leave but that gamble is paying off. It was visible on the pitch last season as the north Londoners finished fifth and qualified for the Europa League. Though they should have finished in the top four, this was an admirable effort and the squad is bound to improve this season.
It is good news for Arsenal fans that the people at the club have identified a way to improve the squad and make them competitive. The upcoming campaign will be a real test for Arteta and Edu, as they need the players to show that this is a team on the up.
Read More: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta provides latest injury update
