Arsenal technical director Edu has hit out at previously highly-paid players who were underperforming and “killing” the club.
Arsenal have been revamping their squad ever since Mikel Arteta was appointed as manager back in December 2019 and that process has continued this summer, with the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko joining from Manchester City.
The Gunners have also got rid of several players during that time, with some having their contracts mutually terminated.
That list includes the likes of Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Edu has now opened up on how some stars got “comfortable” on high wages.
“If a guy is performing and has a big salary, that's not a problem,” he told reporters on Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the United States. “When the player is 26-plus, big salary and he’s not performing, he’s killing you.
“You don’t have a valuation to sell the player, the player is comfortable — Arsenal, London, beautiful, everything is fantastic — and a good salary.
“How many players with that kind of characteristics did we have in the past? 80 per cent of the squad.
“Try to avoid one more year with the problem in the dressing room. Take it out. Even if you have to pay because that guy is sometimes blocking someone.”
Arsenal have spent over £100million on transfers this summer and could be further active over the coming weeks, with the window closing for business on September 1.
The Gunners are looking at signing a wide player, with Edu explaining that a move for Raphinha was always going to be tough to complete.
“I have a very good relationship with agents and players because it’s part of my role,” he said. “But when I start to talk to them, they explain to me as well, not only some ideas about Arsenal [but other clubs too].
“I say, ‘Be transparent to me because I can help you: what possibilities do you have? What do you want to do? I can give you information but give me a bit as well’.
“For example, Raphinha was clear — and [agent] Deco is my close friend — he wants to go to Barcelona. That is his dream. So I said, ‘Thank you very much’.”
