“Three Arsenal Stars at Risk After Edu Gaspar’s Blunt Warning About ‘Not Performing'”
“Three Arsenal Stars at Risk After Edu Gaspar’s Blunt Warning About ‘Not Performing'”
Arsenal have built a top-quality young squad under Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar, but this was achieved through a strict transfer policy.
Edu has been criticised over the years for terminating the contracts of high-profile players including Mesut Ozil and Nicolas Pepe, but he is finally making productive sales as Emile Smith Rowe has joined Fulham.
The Arsenal sporting director recently explained how his transfer policy led to the termination of several contracts, but also to having one of the best young squads in the world.
“If you have a player over 26 or 27 years old, you need attention. If his salary is high, you need attention and if he’s not performing, you’re dead,” Edu explained, listing the three criteria players in his squad need to meet.
Therefore, any player aged 26 or over is under pressure to deliver to avoid being replaced by a younger player, and particularly if they are on a high salary which is detrimental to the wage bill.
With this policy in mind, three Arsenal stars should now feel the pressure over their futures at the club as Edu could axe them from the squad.
Thomas Partey currently fails Edu’s Arsenal squad criteria
The most obvious candidate as a player failing Edu’s criteria is Thomas Partey. The 31-year-old is one of the older players in the squad, is one of the highest earners in the team, and is highly injury-prone.
When fit, Partey is a top player, but even at the end of last season, his performances became a concern as it was clear that he lost some physicality.
Partey missed most of last season through injury, and has just one year left on his deal. If he fails to stay fit to prove he can perform, Edu will see him as an ageing player on a high salary, who will therefore be axed from the squad.
Oleksandr Zinchenko should be worried by Edu Gaspar’s comments
Oleksandr Zinchenko is in the top 10 highest earners at Arsenal, but has just two years left on his deal. At 27, he is now in the danger years when it comes to Edu’s axe, and his performances last season left a lot to be desired.
Zinchenko may take solace in that the criticism of his performances is directed at his defensive ability, and he has still shown what he can do in more attacking positions from left-back.
However, if he does not step up his game, and falls further down the pecking order, it would not be a surprise to see him fail Edu’s test and head for the exit door given his age and wages.
Gabriel Jesus has a lot to prove to Edu Gaspar over Arsenal future
Gabriel Jesus is a top-class attacker when fit, and has impressed in pre-season. However, he still has a lot to prove to Edu.
Jesus is the second-highest earner in the squad, and at 27, he has now entered the age bracket which will be under extra scrutiny.
The Brazilian endured a tough campaign last season as he registered just four Premier League goals as his injury frustration continued.
Jesus now knows that he has to maintain his fitness, and perform to a high level to avoid Edu’s axe. A good season will save his Arsenal career and show that he still has the quality to perform, but more inconsistent form or injuries could put him on the market next summer.
