Arsenal's technical director slams high-performing players

JAKARTA - Arsenal's technical director, Eduardo Cesar Gaspar, has criticized a player who has been highly paid but underperformed and "killed" the club. Arsenal have overhauled their squad since Mikel Arteta was appointed manager in December 2019. That process has continued this summer, with the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko joining from Manchester City.

The Gunners have also eliminated several players during that time, with several of their contracts terminated. The list includes the likes of Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Edukini revealed some of those stars are comfortable with high wages.

"If a guy plays and has a big salary, that's fine," he told reporters on Arsenal's pre-season tour of the United States. "When a player is over 26 years old, big salary and he doesn't play, he kills you," he said.

"You don't have the judgment to sell a player, the player is comfortable and a good salary. How many players with those characteristics have we had in the past? 80 per cent of the squad," he explained.

He said trying to keep him for another year would cause problems in the dressing room. That's why the best way is to get it out. "Even if you have to pay because that person sometimes gets in the way of someone," he said.

Arsenal have spent over £100m on transfers this summer and could be more active over the coming weeks, with the window for business closing on September 1. The Gunners are looking for a winger. Edu explains that Raphinha's move will always be difficult to complete.

"I have a very good relationship with agents and players because that is part of my role," he said. "But when I started talking to them they also explained to me, not only some ideas about Arsenal (but also other clubs)," said Edu.

"I said, 'Be transparent with me because I can help you: what possibilities do you have? What do you want to do? I can give you information but give me a little too," he said.

"For example, it was clear Raphinha – and (agent) Deco is a close friend of mine – he wanted to go to Barcelona. It was his dream. So I said, 'Thank you very much'," he said.