Edu is at risk of sending Mikel Arteta down a blind alley this season if Arsenal's transfer chief fails to prepare the Spaniard with the weaponry that can mount a serious charge for European football.
The Gunners have been active in the January transfer market but are yet to compensate for their latest absentees and departures.
Arsenal are making a continued push to sign Dusan Vlahovic this month, football.london understands, despite Arteta's withering options in midfield.
And, as a result, Edu has been handed a revised emergency transfer plan that channels resources to plug the Gunners' gap in the heart of midfield, naturally, posing a threat to the 21-year-old striker's potential arrival.
Tom Canton spoke live with Chris Davison on The Arsenal Way 'Match Reaction show' following the Gunners' goalless draw with Liverpool to devise how Edu must react to Arteta's diminutive options.
Chris kickstarted proceedings by questioning the reliability of the options at Arteta's disposal in midfield.
"Questions were raised when we let Ainsley Maitland-Niles go and there was no sign of a replacement for him because, of course, we know the versatility and importance that he brings as a squad player," he said.
"Obviously that's in addition to the departures to the Africa Cup of Nations, Xhaka's going to miss two or three matches, Sambi Lokonga, we know is still young and fairly inexperienced at this level, can we really rely on him as much as we'd like to?"
Chris continued by suggesting that Arsenal should focus on drafting in two central midfielders this month as opposed to just one, despite the effort being channelled into wrapping up a deal for Dusan Vlahovic.
"It's a big concern," he said. "Even despite that transfer (for Arthur) potentially going through I'm sitting here thinking to myself, 'are we going to need two midfielders to come in?'
"That's the situation we find ourselves in. I think it's unlikely because obviously a lot of focus is also going into a potential new striker in Dusan Vlahovic by the sounds of it, but I wouldn't be against us bringing two midfielders."
Chris concluded by noting how Edu must be ruthless this month if the Gunners are looking to cement themselves as serious contenders for a top-four finish.
"Sometimes you've got to make some difficult decisions and be ruthless in the transfer window when you are looking to achieve qualification for the Champions League and that's exactly what Arsenal are looking to do this season.
"If we don't get this transfer window right and bring in the necessary reinforcements, then it could be a case of make or break for Arsenal's season."
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