Arsenal have started the season excellently with six wins from seven fixtures, which has helped calm the fans’ nerves after the disappointment in the final weeks of the summer transfer window. Despite this, it is still important that Edu looks to add strength in depth to Arsenal’s midfield in the winter.
Youri Tielemans seemed to be the player who was going to be signed, but a deal has stalled in recent times. However, Naby Keita’s concerning contract situation at Liverpool can be explored by Edu, with the Guinea international having halted talks over a new contract at Anfield.
The Gunners are not the only interested party, however. This means that Edu must be proactive in a potential deal that would help solve Mikel Arteta’s concerning midfield dilemma.
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According to the Daily Star, Borussia Dortmund are monitoring Keita’s transfer situation at Liverpool. It is because of this, they are looking to sign him on a free deal next summer when his contract runs out.
Arsenal had previously been linked to Keita before he joined Liverpool in 2018. In the summer of 2016, Keita revealed that he had a conversation with Arsene Wenger.
Keita said via the Sun : “I didn’t speak with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp but I had a phone conversation with Arsene Wenger, who spoke French to me. Yet I chose Leipzig as they have great potential and I didn’t yet want to join a big Champions League club.”
Keita’s ability in playing as a No.8 would be extremely beneficial for Mikel Arteta’s side. He also has enough quality to give tough competition for the starting midfielders.
Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are two players whose place in the team are currently beyond question. Albert Sambi Lokogna and Mohammed Elneny are the two backup players, but their levels in terms of experience and quality do not compare with the two starters.
While it would be unlikely for Keita to come in and be an automatic starter, he would bridge the gap between the backup midfielders and the starting players in the middle of the park. It is certainly a transfer that Edu should look to explore.
Despite the reports about his future, Jurgen Klopp has addressed the rumours about his potential transfer situation in the summer. The Liverpool manager said: “I have to respond on 'news' but if you learn on my side 0.0% is behind the news. He was ill, now he is in training and looking good. Not a player overly happy when he's not playing, but all fine."
The midfielder has been part of Liverpool’s Premier League and Champions League winning team. With one year remaining on his current deal, it is a transfer that Edu should look to ignite as he could be signed for a bargain due to his contract situation. Arsenal can swoop in before Dortmund attempt a deal to sign him on a free transfer.
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