Arsenal news and transfers recap: Edu claim, Wilfried Zaha to Arsenal Update, FA confirm Gabriel decision

Technical director Edu Gaspar is expected to be approached over a new long-term contract as the Gunners look to protect their long-term project at the Emirates Stadium. Interest in Edu from rival clubs continues to grow following his impressive track record in the transfer market, shown by his ability to secure deals for Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Fabio Vieira.

The Gunners continue to plan for the upcoming January transfer window as they target signing a new central midfielder. Arsenal are said to have sent scouts to watch Juventus star Weston McKennie with a potential swap deal including Albert Sambi Lokonga a possibility.

The north London outfit are said to be keen on signing Wilfried Zaha on a free transfer next summer, with Arteta thought to be a huge admirer of the 29-year-old. The Gunners are set to face serious competition from abroad, as well as Chelsea and Liverpool, with foreign clubs able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with the Ivorian winger from January.

More on Arteta’s EDU Claim


Mikel Arteta is hopeful that Edu will commit his long-term future to Arsenal.

“I just hope he stays here for a long time because I think it’s going to be a really positive thing for the club,” he told football.london in his pre-match press conference ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League clash with PSV Eindhoven. “I work with him really well, I think he’s a super important figure at the club who represents all the values and ideas that we want, to do everything in the right way, and hopefully that will be the case.”

He added: “There is a lot happening in a football club and he has a huge role and he has a really good way of communicating with people and managing a lot of things that happen daily. For me and for the team he is really important.”