Three likely summer signings emerge as Edu looks to re-shape Arsenal

Edu, Mikel Arteta

Arsenal technical director Edu has drawn up plans to secure the permanent signings of three Gunners loanees, according to a report.

The Gunners are having to wheel and deal to re-shape their squad with Edu charged with helping restore the Gunners to greatness.

Edu allowed a number of high-profile stars to move on in January as they cleared the deck. The likes of Mesut Ozil, Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Sead Kolasinac were all allowed to move on. However, the exodus will not stop there, with more due to depart in an effort to raise funds.

Indeed, the Gunners plan to let another four players move on this summer with Alexandre Lacazette and David Luiz the two highest profile names.

However, it won’t be all one-way traffic. As such, The Sun claims the Gunners chief has already set the wheels in motion to secure three deals.

As per the report, Arsenal want to sign Dani Ceballos and Mat Ryan on permanent deals from Real Madrid and Brighton. Edu will also contact the reigning Spanish champions about a permanent deal for Odegaard in his conversations about Ceballos.

Arsenal v Man City Match Preview, February 21, 2021

Arsenal v Man City Match Preview, February 21, 2021

A look ahead to the Premier League game between Arsenal and Man City, including stats on form, possession, shots, cards, corners, top scorers and previous meetings.

However, the report claims much of their plans after that will depend on the club securing a return to European competition. Currently down in 10th, the Gunners face an upward battle to even retain their place in the Europa League.

Failure to do so could see any further transfer plans compromised – and more permanent sales could even be considered.


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Cedric hails Odegaard impact

Arsenal defender Cedric Soares, meanwhile, has heaped praise on Odegaard and feels he has a “big future” in the game.

Odegaard, 21, join the Gunners on loan until the end of the season last month. The Norway international was struggling for action at Real Madrid and it seemed a perfect move for all parties concerned.

Martin Odegaard Arsenal Leeds February 2021 TEAMtalk

He enjoyed his first start for Arsenal in last Sunday’s 4-2 victory over Leeds United at the Emirates. That was his third outing for the north Londoners and Cedric has been impressed.

“He has been excellent,” he said. “He’s a very nice guy. He’s talking with everyone and speaks lots of Spanish, so he has been talking with everyone.

“I think all the team is welcoming him very well.”

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