Arsenal were on the hunt for a midfielder on transfer deadline day, with football.london understanding that a deal for Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz was actively being pursued. But after three rejected bids by Villa, the Gunners were unable to secure a signing.
The need to strengthen in the midfield area was evident at the start of the transfer window. This was made even more clear when injuries suffered to Thomas Partey and Mohammed Elneny during the early weeks of the season had seriously weakened Mikel Arteta’s options in the middle of the park.
Liverpool had signed Brazilian midfielder Arthur Melo in the same transfer window which led to a lot of resentment by Arsenal fans as Edu did not attempt to hijack a deal. However, the midfielder’s injury problems highlight that it was a blessing in disguise that Edu did not attempt to make a move.
