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Football London
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Bailey Keogh

Edu forced into Arsenal's ideal £40m winger deadline amid Callum Hudson-Odoi transfer concerns

Arsenal had a strong start to the summer transfer window addressing both the forward and defensive positions, which clearly needed strengthening towards the back of last season. Despite a good start to the window, more acquisitions are still needed.

The Gunners have been searching for a midfielder and a winger throughout the window without much success. However, it seems Edu is insistent in seeing change as Arsenal have been linked to a host of wingers in recent weeks.

One winger the Gunners have surprisingly been linked with is Callum Hudson-Odoi from Chelsea. Despite the excellent potential he possessed when coming out of the youth ranks it will be better to target a player with better Premier League credentials.

READ MORE: Edu handed Arsenal vindication for £51m genius transfer calls amid Chelsea and Man Utd failure

Hudson-Odoi graduated from the Cobham ranks at Chelsea with a lot of expectations placed on his shoulders. But whether because of injury or inability to impress, the failure to become a regular starter for Thomas Tuchel highlights why Arsenal must avoid a potential deal.

The 21-year-old has made 72 appearances in the Premier League and only has a four-goal return while also only providing 11 assists. It would be better for Edu to target a player at a similar age who has had more Premier League success.

One of these players who would be available is Ismaila Sarr from Watford. Sarr would be an excellent acquisition, especially considering that Arteta had reportedly held an interest in the Senegal international in 2020, according to the Mirror.

His former coach, Mady Toure, has also explained why Arsenal should make a move for him by comparing his potential success to Sadio Mane's at Liverpool. "I said Sadio would blow up in England, and I can tell you that Ismaila will do the same. He will even win a Ballon d'Or too," he told the Guardian.

"He is fast, powerful, and now that he has his bearings … and it's only his first season, you will see how he gets better and progresses. I think he is well set to become one of the best players in England and the world."

Sarr has played 92 matches for Watford ever since his move in 2019. He has gone to score 28 goals and provided 25 assists. He would be an excellent coupe for the Gunner, and it is certainly a deal that Edu should look to explore.

Arsenal would have to move fast to complete a potential deal however, as according to French news outlet Foot Mercato, Leeds are close to an agreement with Watford to sign Sarr. The Senegalese international has been on form for the Hornets, which was highlighted by his wonderful goal against West Brom last week. The same outlet have also reported that Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace also hold an interest in the winger with a move likely to cost £40million via Sky Sports.

Hudson-Odoi has the potential to be a quality Premier League player but he has not lived up to expectations. With Sarr being two years older, the Senegal international would be the better option considering that he has already proved himself in the Premier League.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Who would you go for if you were in Edu's shoes? Leave a comment to let us know

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