Arsenal technical director Edu has backed new signing Takehiro Tomiyasu to come straight into the first-team following his £17million arrival.
The Japanese international's move from Bologna was completed on transfer deadline day with the 22-year-old signing a four-year deal with the Gunners
Edu has given Arsenal's new No.18 his full support to force his way straight into Mikel Arteta's first XI.
"At right-back, we just signed Takehiro Tomiyasu," Edu told Sky Sports. "He is someone who can come here and play straight away because we loaned Hector Bellerin to allow space for him to come and feature straight away.
"That’s the plan but of course, it’s up to Mikel if he plays or not."
Tomiyasu will compete with the Gunners' incumbent right-backs Callum Chambers and Cedric Soares for a spot in Arteta's team with the Japanese international also capable at centre-back.
Following the Gunners disastrous start to the Premier League campaign, Tomiyasu could come straight into the starting team as Arteta attempts to get things back on track.
Arsenal are currently bottom of the league table following three successive defeats which has seen the defence concede nine goals in just 270 minutes of football.
The next league match sees Arsenal come up against Norwich City on Saturday, September 11 with the Canaries sitting just one league spot above the Gunners having also lost their first three matches.
Having spent over £140million during the summer transfer window pressure is increasing on Arteta to get his team's first goal and win of the Premier League campaign. Anything other than three points will heap even more pressure on the under-fire Spaniard despite the backing he has received from Edu.
"Mikel wants to see them playing together [the new signing and injured players," Edu said. "Mikel was happy the other day when he had two or three players starting to train again.
"He wants to see everyone fit and I hope everyone without Covid. Then it is fair to judge us."
