Arsenal: Edu Gaspar Talks January Signings, Willian & Mikel Arteta

Edu has spoken out in defence of Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.

With criticism flying in from all angles, the Arsenal technical director, Edu Gaspar, has leapt to the defence of Mikel Arteta who has never been closer to the sack than he is now.

A long interview that covered multiple points, unintentionally asked more questions than provided answers.

Any public backing of this stature often spells danger, but the sentiments are clear and understandable: he’s attempting to steady the ship, deflect blame from the manager and provide a clearer path to retribution.

His comments on Willian, however, are baffling.

"“I am really excited and really happy to have a player like Willian because I’m convinced he’ll be the one to impact the team straight away,” he said in August on the official Arsenal website."

Fast forward a few months and his comments on Willian’s form have changed drastically.

https://twitter.com/StatmanDave/status/1338498988165586945

"“What do you expect?” Edu tells the Mirror. “Do you expect it straight away? Boom! Willian can be the best one? He needs a little bit of time, it’s strange as well to say that but you need time to know the players who you are going to play with.”"

An experienced 32-year-old, familiar with the division, the language and who didn’t even need to move city, suddenly needs more time. The deal was heavily led by Kia Joorabchian, Edu’s good friend, which reeks more of a favour being made than logical footballing sense.

The three-year deal and astronomical wages don’t help, either.

A foolish transfer move that grows more ridiculous with each weekly underwhelming performance, Edu’s shift of approach is clearly to quell concerns, but back-tracking on your own statements indicate the initial ones weren’t all that believable in the first place.