Arsenal’s transfer window was heavily scrutinised by both the fan base and media for a lack of significant first-team additions. Or as it appeared on the surface.
Arsenal finished in back-to-back 8th place finishes in the Premier League and the first-team squad was in need of some major renovation. Supporters had called for serious improvement to the first team ahead of the new season.
However, the £150 million spent on the side brought with it questions as to whether it had been spent in the right way. Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, Nuno Tavares, Sambi Lokonga, Martin Odegaard and Takehiro Tomiyasu were all acquired.
All eligible for the under-23 squad, there was a clear strategy that the Gunners were pursuing an overhaul and lowering the average age of the group.
Despite a reasonable approach, there were concerns that a lack of experienced reinforcements would lead to a longer transition time and therefore a slow integration leading to restricted performance.
However, all the players brought in have performed excellently. In fact, Arsenal’s last three matches saw Tomiyasu, Tavares and Ramsdale all named Man of the Match. White performed excellently against Spurs, Lokonga has been a fan favourite since his debut and Odegaard’s pressing and energy have been inspiring.
Yet, Edu predicted well ahead of time that these types of displays and performances from the Arsenal squad could be coming.
After the close of the summer transfer window, Edu sat down with Sky Sports’ Geoff Shreeves who questioned him on where he was targeting for the team to finish.
The Brazilian refused to be drawn on this, highlighting he wanted to see what Arteta’s squad would be capable of with everyone available.
"I don't want to go for top four or top six or top eight or top ten," said Edu. “I'm just really looking forward to seeing this squad play together. I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone fit.
"I want to see our squad because I don't see it yet. But I'm really looking forward to it because I believe, and Mikel believes that this team can have a good season."
The following four games saw White, Gabriel and Thomas Partey return to the team alongside the debutant Tomiyasu and the now starting Ramsdale.
Arsenal have won all 4 games, culminating in the 3-1 victory over Tottenham last weekend and the momentum is building.
Expectations naturally are increasing along with the form, if Edu could see the side being this good, the season could prove very positive indeed.
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