Arsenal and Edu could have used the January transfer window to fully focus on sorting the striker situation out and prepare to propel the club towards their ultimate season goal of qualifying for the Champions League.
However, Arsenal have found themselves stretched thin in several departments through poor decision-making both on and off the field.
Granit Xhaka’s senseless challenge, there needs to be a template created for that phrase, saw the Switzerland midfielder sent off midway through the first half of Arsenal's semi-final Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool. Therefore, he will be suspended for the North London Derby and the second leg against the Reds next Thursday.
Arsenal allowed Ainsley Maitland-Niles to leave the club on loan to Roma, thinning the squad even further with Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny at the African Cup of Nations.
Edu has been trying ‘everything possible’ to bring Dusan Vlahovic to the club from Fiorentina this January football.london understands. However, his attention has since switched to midfield.
Arsenal face a race against time to register Arthur Melo by midday tomorrow if they want the Juventus man and prospective loanee to be eligible for the north London derby on Sunday.
football.london understands that the club is pushing hard to accelerate the talks with Juventus. After the red card to Xhaka, Edu’s night only got more sleepless with the pressure piled on further.
Meanwhile, with Martin Odegaard testing positive for Covid-19 and Emile Smith Rowe injured, there is an argument Arsenal need to sign even more reinforcements.
Miguel Azeez has been recalled from his loan from Portsmouth, football.london understands. The youngster struggled for regular game time, but the Gunners’ shortness has made his presence a necessity at the club.
The problem lies in Edu and the head of football operations Richard Garlick now having so much additional pressure on the midfield that their hunt for Vlahovic takes a backseat.
With the Serbian in need of serious convincing to choose the Gunners with the world at his feet regarding summer suitors, the concern will grow that these distractions could cost Arsenal.
The club has expanded its recruitment department in recent months and Edu will need his whole team behind him working round the clock to ensure the club is fully covered and Mikel Arteta is not left short.
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