Edu speaks on Arsenal’s transfer amid Declan Rice transfer link

Edu Gasper looking to improve Arsenal squad

Edu speaks on Arsenal’s transfer amid Declan Rice transfer link

Stephen Oladehinde 11:41 - 07.06.2023

Arsenal sporting director Edu Gasper has spoken about bringing in new signings to the club after an impressive 2022/2023 season.

This season, the 24-year-old has performed admirably for the claret and blue, making 49 appearances across all competitions and helping to create nine goals.

The Gunners are heavily linked to West Ham midfielder Declan Rice who will be in action in the final of the Europa Conference League tonight.

The Hammers are looking to win their first major trophy since 1980 as they take on Italian side Fiorentina in the final.

Arsenal are in the transfer market for quality players ahead of next season and Edu has said they need to invest in the team to challenge next season.

West Ham star player Declan Rice set to play in the final of the Conference League
West Ham star player Declan Rice set to play in the final of the Conference League

We need to identify and improve says Edu

According to football.london it is understood that Declan Rice is Arsenal's number one target this summer and Edu is looking to bring the midfielder to the Emirates.

Sporting director Edu is aware that Arsenal must make investments this summer in order to build on last season's title challenge. 

Speaking with ESPN Brasil, Edu said, "We need to identify how we can improve. If we have to improve specific, individual positions, individuals, final turn, midfielders, our defence. We already know what it is because our style of play with Mikel Arteta is very clear. 

“When you see Arsenal play now, you know it’s our style. Now we have to understand how to enhance our athletes so the team can improve and reach a new level in terms of performance. 

“I think there is a level above. Mikel and I talked, and we believe we can raise our performance to a new level. Now we have to do good work in the transfer window, we have to understand what we need, get the right athletes, the right traits, and the right athlete mentality so we can raise our squad’s level again."

Arsenal waiting until the final for Rice

The Gunners are set to lose Granit Xhaka who has been linked with a move to Bayer Leverkusen for £13 million and could bring in Rice as his replacement. 

Arsenal are reportedly holding off on making a bid for Rice until after West Ham plays in the Europa League Conference final out of respect, but they are confident in their ability to close a deal despite interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester United.

The West Ham captain is preparing ahead of the final as he was seen on Tuesday looking around the Fortuna Arena with his teammates.

He later went on to post on his Instagram account with the words "Go time @westham." as they look to win the Europa Conference League.