Here is your Arsenal morning digest for Saturday, August 15.
Edu's self-imposed transfer challenge
Arsenal's transfer business continued yesterday, with Willian becoming the third man through the door this summer following the permanent deals for former loanees Cedric Soares and Pablo Mari.
Willian's arrival comes at a time where the Gunners are under the microscope following the announcement of 55 redundancies, with the willingness to spend to land the Brazilian and move to tie Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to a lucrative new deal being criticised.
Arsenal's rebuild under Edu is starting at the top and he has described the signing of Willian as the first step in a 'big process', one that could make or break his tenure.
"It will take time but with Willian, we've started a big process. We've identified the needs in the squad and he's the one to start to rebalance the squad as we want to."
Arteta's first major headache
Arsenal have just a few weeks until their new campaign begins with a return to Wembley to tackle Premier League winners Liverpool and Mikel Arteta faces his first major headache.
For the most part, Arteta's starting line-up in his management career has largely picked itself, with a few chops and changes as necessary and the big players, like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, assured of their spot.
That was the case for Bernd Leno previously but his season-ending injury opened the door for Emiliano Martinez, who grabbed his opportunity with both hands.
The Argentine is keen to continue earning first-team opportunities and Leno won't want to lose his spot without a fight, so Arteta has a big decision ahead of him.
Martinez confirms interest
Sticking with Emiliano Martinez, the Argentine has spoken directly about his quest to continue earning first-team opportunities and has revealed interest in his services.
Speaking to Marca, the 27-year-old has claimed that as many as ten clubs are interested in landing his services in the current transfer market.
“I am in the sights of 10 teams in Europe. But I can’t say who those clubs are, because it’s nothing concrete.”
“I still do not have the clear situation with Arsenal, when I have it when I return I will make the best decision for my career.”
