Former Manchester United defender John O’Shea has pointed out that Arsenal’s technical director could be the difference-maker in their pursuit of Raphinha this summer. Edu has been in the role at the Emirates for three years and, a former Brazilian international himself, has strong links to key players in the South American game.
Arsenal took pole position in the race for the Whites winger in a surprising turn earlier in the week when they became the first club to table an official bid on Tuesday evening. That bid, while the exact value is unknown, was someway below Leeds’ £65million valuation and subsequently swiftly rejected.
There has been heavy interest in the 25-year-old from Barcelona, but the Catalan club have gone quiet in the last week amid speculation that their financial problems may be too debilitating to secure a deal. And while Tottenham and Chelsea have also registered their interest in the 11-goal winger, ex-Republic of Ireland international O’Shea believes the Brazilian link of Edu could provide the difference.
