Fabrizio Romano’s ‘100% focused’ Arsenal transfer claim about key figure

Arsenal won’t be in action during this latest round of Premier League fixtures as they get set to face PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.

Whatever happens in the other matches, Mikel Arteta’s side will remain top of England’s top flight table after their excellent start to the 2022/23 campaign. The North London side have set themselves up expertly to challenge for the title this season and that could make the January transfer window even more significant than it has been in previous seasons. Not only could it see some new additions to the first team squad, but there could also be a fight to keep a hold of key officials behind the scenes.

Football journalist and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano recently tweeted about Edu, the Gunners technical director, and wrote that the Brazilian is apparently wanted “by more more than two European clubs”. However, the Italian also wrote that the 44-year old is “100% focused” on the project at the Emirates Stadium. He wrote: “More than two European clubs are showing interest in Arsenal director Edu as he’s doing a huge job - it’s true that his name has been discussed internally. Edu’s only 100% focused on Arsenal project & club see him as key figure.”

Edu, who played for Arsenal between 2001 and 2005, became the club’s first ever technical director in 2019 having previously worked as the general coordinator of the Brazilian men’s national team. The 44-year old was a key figure in this year’s All or nothing: Arsenal documentary series on Amazon Prime, giving supporters an insight to the daily work he does for the club, particularly concerning transfers. It also showed the work he does alongside Mikel Arteta and the club’s coaching staff.

He brings an extra level of elite level playing experience to the Gunners’ set up having won two Premier League titles and two FA Cups as an Arsenal player. He was also a Copa del Rey winner with Valencia and a Brazilian league winner and FIFA Club World Championship winner with Corinthians. Not only that, he lifted the Copa America and Confederations Cup with Brazil despite only picking up 15 caps between 2004 and 2005.