Arsenal have a series of transfer dilemmas to confront, and Edu may have to persuade the next group of youngsters of their futures at the club with one decision.
With a host of academy graduates currently occupying first-team spots, there has been a successful period in which Mikel Arteta has bearthed and developed Arsenal's current squad together. As expectations at the top of the Premier League change perceptions, ensuring that the club does not become blindsighted will be vital.
Arsenal have impressive players not currently playing at the club and out on loan, but their route into the first team is not as clear after a summer of buying readymade stars for Arteta's squad.
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Although the ultimate aim is to accommodate both high-quality new signings and the club's own academy, Edu may be about to lose one of the brighest sparks available to Arsenal.
19-year-old Charlie Patino has flourished on loan at Blackpool this term, but the midfielder is out of contract next summer. Given his form away from Arsenal, he will be able to negotiate a move away from the club in January. Goal are reporting that top clubs in England and across Europe are monitoring him.
Patino wouldn't be the first Arsenal star to make his name in the Championship, Emile Smith Rowe was at Huddersfield, and Eddie Nketiah had a spell at Leeds before becoming a more established members of the Gunners' side.
The slight-framed Englishman has started eight matches in the league this season, scoring twice and assisting one as he takes the spotlight for Michael Appleton's men. The precedent for Championship loanees to be given a chance in the Premier League is growing year-on-year as well, another factor adding pressure to Edu and Arsenal to make a decision quickly.
If no deal is agreed with Patino, then they may well have to come up against him next season, and that would be a big blow after Arsenal secured him as "the best kid I've ever seen" upon his arrival from Luton according to the scout that got him to north London.
The youngster decided against having a role with the youth teams and a bit-part Europa League spot for Arsenal and chose his own way out. The experience he has gained will only serve him well but once more makes contract discussions tougher.
Edu will know that if Patino can't be convinced of a future role, then it could have an impact on others, too, only increasing the importance of such a deal. Not only must Edu decide if allowing Patino to remain in the Championship is the best option, but he must also always navigate a potentially decisive period of contract talks, too.
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