Dubai insider reveals Arsenal plans and talks Edu transfer policy

Former Arsenal star and Dubai resident Bacary Sagna has provided insight on how Mikel Arteta's squad will be treating their winter mini-break to Dubai on the back of a series of poor results.

The Gunners head to the warm country to train between the gutting FA Cup defeat to Liverpool and their next Premier League match against Crystal Palace on January 20. There is work to be done for the side, who have lost their last two top-flight matches and are winless in four across all competitions.

Sagna, who now lives in Dubai and works on his backpack and app business, told Lord Ping: "The Arsenal players need a break. This is a great time for them to recover from what has happened over the last few weeks and have a bit of a fresh start. The Premier League season is very long. It is draining. It’s really important for players to clear their minds after a busy Christmas period so they can go into the second half of the season with more energy. The Arsenal players are under constant pressure to perform, so they will enjoy the break.

"It’s nice for players to switch off for a few days and enjoy working in a new environment. I’m sure they will all enjoy the warmer weather and an opportunity to spend time together without having to deal with the pressure of playing for a few weeks.

"There is a great football community in Dubai. Football fans will be looking forward to seeing them in the country and it's easy to relax here. Waking up with the sun is a blessing that a lot of the players will be looking forward to. Arsenal have a lot of challenges ahead of them with the Premier League and the Champions League, so the players will enjoy this break. All players need to have a mental break at some point in the season."

Sagna also shared his thoughts on Arsenal's transfer strategy under sporting director Edu after Arteta admitted the side would struggle to sign a much-needed striker this month, despite links to £100 million Brentford man Ivan Toney.

The ex-Gunners defender said: "I really like what Arsenal have done over the last couple of seasons in the transfer market. I like the fact that Edu was an ex-Arsenal player, so he knows what the club requires in terms of a player’s ability and a player’s personality.

"He understands football, not only business. A lot of the clubs that aren’t that successful in the transfer market have Sporting Directors from the world of business, but Edu is a guy who knows the club inside and out. Edu was part of the most successful Arsenal team in history. He knows the identity of the club and knows which players will suit that identity.

"All the players that Edu and Arsenal have signed have been spot on. Take the example of Ben White, Aaron Ramsdale, Thomas Partey, they have all been a big success at the club. Declan Rice is another player that has been brilliant since he joined.

"I don’t think that Edu and Arteta have made a mistake since having complete control over the transfers at Arsenal. That is very difficult to do. All of the players that they have signed have had a big impact at Arsenal. When Arsenal identify a player that they want, they know all about them and how they will fit into the team."