The World Cup in Qatar creates the ideal opportunity for Edu to make last minute scouting reports ahead of the January transfer window. Arsenal could be in for a busy month, and Edu’s additions to the squad could be impacted by the World Cup.
One of the tournament favourites England got off to a flying start by beating Iran 6-2, but the same could not be said for fellow favourites Argentina, who were beaten 2-1 by Saudi Arabia, a game in which former Arsenal target Lisandro Martinez took part in. This match was then followed up by another surprise result as Denmark drew 0-0 with Tunisia. France finished the matchday with a 4-1 win over Australia.
As Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his first-team squad in the new year, football.london will be covering the performances of Arsenal’s potential transfer targets at the World Cup. Ensure to return after each matchday for comments on the performances of the players the Gunners have been linked to throughout the tournament.
READ MORE: Bukayo Saka makes Arsenal contract negotiations more difficult for Edu amid World Cup success
Lisandro Martinez
Manchester United disrupted Arsenal’s summer transfer plans when they signed Lisandro Martinez from Ajax, despite the Gunners being heavily interested.
The Argentine was used as a late substitute in Saudi Arabia’s shock 2-1 victory over La Albiceleste. The former Arsenal target was utilised in the left-back position as Argentina desperately searched for equaliser.
After Martinez’s summer snub towards Arsenal, it gave Gunners’ fans an excellent chance to laugh at the result as the Manchester United’s defender introduction did not impact the score of the match.
Jesper Lindstrom
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Jesper Lindstrom for the upcoming January transfer window. A report from Bild last week stated that the Gunners are 'on the attack' for the Denmark international.
The Gunners have an extra scouting opportunity as he been called up to represent Denmark at the World Cup. However, in the Danes’ opening match against Tunisia he was used a 64th-minute substitute meaning he did not have a lot of time to impact the game.
He almost opened the scoring for his side with a cross-turned shot which troubled the Tunisian keeper, but the effort was turned over the bar. Lindstrom was largely quiet except for that moment as the match finished 0-0.
Piotr Zielinski
Zielinksi started the match in a more advanced role alongside Robert Lewandowski for Poland against Mexico. The Napoli midfielder had minimal impact on the game, with there being a lack of chances in general. Lewandowski's missed penalty proved to be the pivotal event as the final result ended 0-0.
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