"Hope he stays" - Arteta is desperate to keep Arsenal man wanted by top European clubs

Mikel Arteta is desperate for Arsenal to keep technical director Edu at the club, amidst interest from top European clubs.

Edu has been technical director at the club since 2019 – becoming the first person to take the newly-established position.

The Brazilian played for the club between 2001 and 2005, and was part of the Invincibles side of 2003/04.

The 44-year-old has played an important role in Arsenal’s rebuild over recent seasons, including the appointment of Arteta in December 2019.

He has used his contacts in South America to bring the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Marquinhos, and also helped the club to bring in Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City.

But Arsenal’s rise to the top of the Premier League – and Edu’s growing reputation – has led to increasing rumours that top European clubs are interested in acquiring the former midfielder.

Prominent journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that several major clubs are keen on luring him away from Arsenal.

However, Arteta is adamant that he wants Edu to stay where he is.

Mikel Arteta on Edu

Speaking prior to Arsenal’s Europa League clash at PSV Eindhoven on Thursday, Arteta said: “I hope that he stays for a long time, because I think it’s going to be really positive for the club.

"I work with him really well. I think he's a super important figure at the club who represents all the values and ideas that we want, to do everything in the right way, and hopefully that will be the case.

"There is a lot happening in a football club, and he has a huge role. He has a really good way of communicating with people and managing a lot of things that happen daily.

"For me, and for the team, he is really important."

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal have opened talks with their technical director to convince him to sign him a new contract.

It is claimed that ‘the wheels are in motion’ towards Edu committing to a new deal.

That line in particular will encourage Gunners fans, who will be desperate to see the 44-year-old continue his good work at the club as Arsenal push for honours this season.