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Mikel Arteta responds to speculation Arsenal director is wanted by two European clubs

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2 years ago

October 20, 2022

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Mikel Arteta remains confident Edu remains fully committed to Arsenal amid speculation he is being targeted by two major European clubs.

Edu, a member of the club’s legendary Invincibles, was promoted following the sudden departure of a Raul Sanllehi just over two years ago.

The former Brazil international has, in tandem Arteta, greatly reduced the average age of the first team squad and overseen a reduction in a wage bill that had been on the verge of spiraling out of control.

Edu has played a central role in deals that have brought a number of his compatriots to north London in recent years, including Gabriel Jesus whose arrival from Manchester City has helped turn the Gunners into genuine title contenders.

Asked about Edu’s future ahead of tonight’s Europa League game against PSV Eindhoven, Arteta said: ‘It is a question for him but from what I know he is fully committed.’

The Gunners will look to take control of Europa League Group A this season and maintain their 100% record on home turf this term, but Ruud van Nistelrooy’s emerging side will provide a stern test.

Arteta said: ‘I think it’s a really good team. I think what Ruud has done with his team, the way they play, you just see the amount of goals they are scoring in their domestic league, the way they are performing in the Europa League as well, they are a really dangerous team.

‘It is really important (to win the group). In Europe when you have the chance to take advantage you have to do it.

‘It’s always very unpredictable what can happen in the next game. You have to go away and we know the level of the other teams as well.

‘What I can say watching them [PSV] and what they are doing domestically, internationally, [it will be] a really tough match.’

Van Nistelrooy is guaranteed to get a hot reception from the home fans given his infamous run-ins with Arsenal during the peak years of the rivalry between Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.

Arteta added: I don’t know, obviously it’s a long way back. I wasn’t involved at the club at the time.

‘ You can tell the history of these two clubs and the rivalry that was generated at the time because they are two exceptional teams, but I don’t know.’