Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on technical director Edu, after he managed to help deliver the Gunners’ top summer target Martin Odegaard.
The Gunners, who went on to sign Aaron Ramsdale on the same day, have now spent around £130million on five new players as they look to massively improve this season.
They find themselves in a difficult patch on the pitch after losing their opening two games of the season 2-0 to Brentford and Chelsea respectively, but Odegaard’s signing should help to improve their creativity moving forward.
The Norwegian – who spent six months on loan at the Emirates in the second half of last season - looked set to stay at Real Madrid this campaign, but Edu’s work behind the scenes helped to change the La Liga giants’ mind.
Speaking to Arsenal.com, Arteta said: “I was really happy because at one stage we thought it wouldn’t be possible, Madrid weren't very keen on selling the player.
“Martin always expressed his desire to come, but it wasn’t looking very possible and then the door opened and straight away the club was really supportive.
“Edu did a great job to manage the situation and we got the player that we wanted and we know because we have experience with him already for six months.”
The Spaniard continued by explaining what Odegaard will bring to the team, on and off the ball.
“I think he makes the rest of the players around him better," said Arteta. "His work ethic is phenomenal, the way he goes about his job, his professionalism, his character, he’s a very likeable person.
“I think he has fitted really well into the culture and then for the way we want to play he’s a player with exceptional qualities to add to the team.”
He was unable to play for the Gunners against Chelsea as he awaited the completion of the visa process, but Odegaard could make his second Arsenal debut against West Brom in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening.
