Arsenal technical director Edu Gaspar has expressed his excitement and pride over the signings of Manchester City duo Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
The Gunners currently top the Premier League table for summer spending, less than a couple of weeks from the start of the 2022/23 campaign.
With an investment totalling £121.5 million, Arsenal have been able to lure in the likes of Jesus, Zinchenko and FC Porto’s Fabio Vieira, as well as Matt Turner and the young Marquinhos.
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As a number of their latest recruits have starred in an invincible pre-season campaign thus far, complete with Friday’s 4-0 victory over rivals Chelsea, Edu has been quick to outline just how key he believes the new signings to be.
“We are so excited to have Zinchenko here with us because he is a player we really targeted,” the ex-Arsenal midfielder said, speaking exclusively to Sky Sports.
“It’s a player that we really believe has the characteristics and qualities that are going to increase our level in the squad.
“Mikel, of course, knows him more than anyone because they worked together [at Man City], but all the information around the player is top.
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“Not only his qualities as a footballer, but as a person as well, which for us is so important.”
Arsenal’s chief negotiator, Edu, went on to deny holding a major role in the deal that swayed Jesus the Gunners’ way, as he reserved some more praise for his compatriot.
“No, it’s not me [who attracted Jesus to the club], it’s Arsenal”: Edu affirmed. “I’m just part of the process.
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“I’m there in front of the player, in front of the family, to explain who you are.
“I think we as a club have to be proud to have a player like Gabriel Jesus here.”
Arsenal remain keen to prolong their current spending spree, with the main focus now centred around moving bodies out of the club, as stated by Arteta last week.
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With rumours of additions to the North Londoners’ midfield and wide options still circulating, Edu refuses to shut the door on further movement.
“I think we have to be prepared for every situation,” he added.
“We still feel the transfer window is open and the most important thing is to be prepared for everything, because opportunities can happen.
“Clubs can approach us, players probably want to go on loan, so there’s still lots to do.
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“Being prepared is the most important [thing] and for sure we are very much prepared for almost everything.”
Topics: Arsenal
Patrick Ribeiro