Arsenal technical director Edu discusses Gunners' squad balance, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's contract, and more

Arsenal technical director Edu discussed his side's summer business and reflected upon the balance of their squad after the closure of the transfer window.

One of the most dominant themes of Arsenal's summer was regarding the future of their captain and undisputedly their best player, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabonese striker's contract was set to come to an end come 2021 summer and was linked with moves to Barcelona, Inter Milan, and other clubs.

Arsenal were hopeful of tying Aubameyang down to a new deal, and after a summer of suspense, the Gunners finally managed to do so.

72 - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored more goals than any other Premier League player in all competitions since making his debut for Arsenal in February 2018 (72), netting 28% of the Gunners’ goals during this period (72/253). Signed. pic.twitter.com/lcd5BlkEWq

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 15, 2020

They also managed to find an agreement to extend the contract of Arsenal youth product Bukayo Saka, one of the most exciting young footballers produced by the North London club in recent years.

These key contract extensions, along with exciting additions such as those of Thomas Partey and Gabriel Magalhaes, have ensured that Arsenal have had a successful transfer window.

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Edu discusses how transfers and contract extensions improved Arsenal's squad balance

Saka is one of the Premier League's most exciting youngsters

Speaking on the successful contract extensions of Aubameyang, Saka, and others, Edu explained;

"This [contract extensions] is another good point I want to mention because normally people are talking about signing players but for me and Mikel [Arteta], we dedicate our time to what we have at home. So we have to renew players, we have to give our respect to the players we have here, so let's do it as soon as possible."

The former Arsenal and Valencia midfielder continued,

"If you see, [Gabriel] Martinelli was the first one we did even before the window, Bukayo [Saka] was during the window and Auba [Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang] was in the window as well. Those three, in my plan, was to try to get them done before the window even opened but of course there are negotiations, there are talks, there are meetings but we did it and it's an important point as well."

Partey was Arsenal's marquee signing of the summer

Speaking on his side's transfer business and how the Arsenal squad has been improved, Edu said;

"I think we [Arsenal] improved the squad's quality and physicality. Thomas, who we had in our plan for the future, when me and Mikel [Arteta] sit and talked, I think you get all the players who we really focused on."

The Brazilian explained what their new signings will bring to the side. He continued,

"If you see Willian, he brings us experience and a very special physicality in terms of speed. If you see Gabriel [Magalhaes], he gives us a lot of physicality and presence. Dani [Ceballos], quality. Thomas [Partey], physicality, quality and mentally he is very strong."

Welcome to the Partey! 🥳👋 @Thomaspartey22#NoThomasNoPartey pic.twitter.com/009Er2kZBK

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 5, 2020

Despite their woeful 2019/20 campaign, Aubameyang proved his credentials as one of the best players in the Premier League. Arteta was keen on building his side around his prolific captain and Arsenal are sure to reap the rewards of their faith in the former Borussia Dortmund man.

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