The end of the transfer window is fast approaching, and teams are frantically trying to strengthen their squad before the market closes for another four months. While Arsenal doesn't not need to panic in the final weeks as their business started off very well, there is still work that can be done to improve the squad.
Two positions seem to be the main targets for the Gunners, as Edu has reportedly been chasing players in the midfield and wing areas. It looks as though the Brazilian is prioritising the wide areas as Arsenal are reportedly hot on the tail for Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha.
However, the north London side are not the only club in for him, as Chelsea are also said to hold an interest in the player. After what happened with Arsenal and Chelsea's Raphinha pursuit, the Gunners should not enter into a transfer battle with their London rivals.
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Arsenal's summer transfer window of incomings slowed down after losing out on Raphinha to Barcelona. The Gunners seemed to have the edge on signing the Brazilian until Chelsea attempted to hijack a potential deal, but the winger ultimately decided to join Barcelona.
The same situation must not be repeated with Wilfried Zaha. Transfer guru Dean Jones has claimed that Zaha is also an option for technical director Edu. Speaking about Arsenal's options on The Done Deal Show, Jones said: "They're not the only two names they're looking at (Neto and Pino). In the background, there is Wilfried Zaha.
"That deal is not moving forward at the moment, but Zaha is definitely one of those players that ticks the boxes and that Arsenal have an eye on. We will have to wait and see if they go down that path, Zaha is obviously in red-hot form at the moment."
However, The Standard have reported that Chelsea are also interested in a late summer deal for Zaha. If this pursuit requires a transfer battle, then it is a drama that Edu must look to prevent wasting time. Chelsea have proved they are willing to spend over and beyond to secure a transfer, which is what they attempted when trying to sign Raphinha.
Mikel Arteta is thought to be on the lookout for a new winger before the window slams shut, and the unsuccessful pursuit of Raphinha has been the strongest hint yet that the club is serious about recruiting one. Considering there hasn't been any movement since suggests that the chance to secure the Brazilian's services was too good to ignore.
Despite that possible explanation, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Edu already has his sights set on another winger, but Arsenal's silent approach is making it difficult to get clarity over who it could be. Arsenal have been linked with a 'mystery winger', which according to Fabrizio Romano, remains a position Edu and Mikel Arteta want to address.
Zaha would be an excellent acquisition for the Gunners. Edu must prevent engaging in another transfer battle with Chelsea. He must be proactive in a deal as Chelsea currently have their attention on signing Anthony Gordon from Everton.
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