Mikel Arteta says there was chemistry with Technical Director Edu from their very first chat.
The Brazilian, a fellow ex-Arsenal midfielder, was instrumental in the recruitment of Unai Emery’s successor, interviewing candidates from across the globe before settling on the Spaniard.
On the day of the new head coach’s unveiling, Edu confirmed he’d been won over by a ‘fantastic’ phone call with Arteta in which they discussed organisation and discipline. It appears he wasn’t the only one who appreciated the meeting of minds.
Speaking to Arsenal.com, Arteta agreed that there was an instant connection: “I don’t know, sometimes it happens with people, but he called me and we started to have a conversation which should have lasted just a few minutes and we went long.
“We shared a lot of things in our career and we have a lot of similarities.
“Then the way we were thinking about the situation and became very close and with the ideas, I agree with that. ‘I will do this,’ ‘me too’. It started to build that relationship like this. The chemistry was there from day one.
Arteta added: “He was part of the most exciting and successful times for this football club so he knows exactly what needs to be done.”
Edu and Arteta are due to sit down in the coming days to consolidate their plans for the January transfer window. Having lost Calum Chambers to a long-term injury, the club are thought to be scouring the market for a possible addition at centre-back.
The duo is also set to have a meeting with loan manager Ben Knapper and Academy manager Per Mertesacker, a very close friend of Arteta, to discuss the club’s loanees.
Arsenal are expected to find Eddie Nketiah a new home for the rest of the season having recalled the England under-21 international from his loan spell at Leeds and Emile Smith Rowe could also leave the Emirates to gain more experience in the next five months.
such exciting times a head
Great if we have a talented team. It was Wenger and no-one good for a long time.
A talented manager well supported behind the scenes would be a big step forward.
David Deins departure in 2007 was one of the worst thing the club has experienced in the last 40 years.
And took practically 13 years to replace him
It’s at least on par with Dein introducing the Kroenkes to the club
Kroenkes have been supportive. In addition to not having football fan mentality, their only fault is not firing everyone involved with 2016 window. Xhaka, Mustafi, Lucas Perez. If everyone involved was Wenger, then job done.
Yup. 3rd worst thing. 2nd was emery. 1st is kronke
What is with this love in of David Dein?? Yes he bought in Wenger, but was dead against the move to the Emirates. Then when he fell out with Danny Fizmann he throws his toys out the pram and sells his shares (with a huge profit for himself , none of which was invested into the club) to the Kroenke’s. So when you moan about the Kroenke’s just remember who invited them into the club, yes the mesiah David Dein!!!!
Edu, Arteta and Mertesacker all holding key positions at the club. A clear Arsenal identity. It’s just great to see.
I would add Freddie to that list – an invincible, who had the U23 squad playing the Arsenal way last season.
All seem like intelligent and deep thinking football people as well. I like these feelings and am quite happy to ignore that part of my brain giving it ‘calm down son, we’re only 3 games in’ at present. COYFG
PGunner
You can let it go if you like my friend.. there is a clear light that we never saw with Emery. A clear, efficient style of play. Arteta had everyone, even the doubters buzzing with his first presser. Emery never had that effective communication, if he did he’d probably still be here..
Time to bring back dennis and marc. Patrick too. Everyone!
The Edu, Arteta and Mertesacker relationship could be the key to get us back to top. They all seem happy to put Ego aside and work together towards the benefit of AFC. The future could be bright with these three.
No doubt. So, the plan then is to bind and gag Raul– yes?
(Or at the least hide his Rolodex.)
I first read Rolex…maybe hide both?
So this is what the cheesy rom-coms professed all the time, the stars will align amd the magic will happen.
We just have to wait for destiny to take its course.
– Writer of cheesy romances from where I am ?
The less I hear from Raul and the more I hear from Edu, Arteta and Mertesacker the more faith I have in what is happening at the management level of the club. I sincerely hope they are given all the authority and support they need to try and get the club back to where we would like to be. No guarantees, but I at least believe they will be honest, accountable, and work cohesively! Let Raul hob nob and collect his exorbitant pay cheque and do nothing for all I care (sad facts of life). In fact, I would be… Read more »
Hilarious that Raul is now seen by some as a scapegoat. As if they have any clue what happens behind the scenes.
I think Raul did well last summer with transfer dealings.
To be fair, I’ve lost a lot of faith based on his supposed support of Emery (apparently against the advice of Edu) and plans to try and get him a new contract in the summer. Also, the tone of press releases before the whole Xhaka incident referring to the fans as noise ect. must be attributed to someone and I lay that at his feet.
Can’t solve everything in one transfer window. I think we did great from the long term this summer, I was not and have not been critical of that at all.
Surely we start Eddie against Leeds before sending him on loan? He will have a point to prove.
You can only be registered to 2 clubs a season and he’s already represented Leeds.
Otherwise I’d bring him on in the 2ND half!
I believe a player cannot play for 3 clubs in 1 season, it’s against regulations. He can be registered with 3 clubs (Arsenal, Leeds, the next club) but can only play official matches with 2 clubs.
Which means if he played then he would stay and with injuries and so many matches left would be a good thing
Nketiah needs regular football for the rest of the season, and he won’t get that at Arsenal. A loan to another Championship club, someone who will guarantee minutes, is best for all parties.
Hopefully they will bring quality CB in January, Mustafi will depart and Mavropanos will go on loan to get consistent playing time and gain experience.
Also good luck with quick recovery Calum.
Highly unlikely that Mustafi will leave permanently in January, nobody will take him on the wages we currently pay him. Maybe loan him out if someone could pay half his wages. Who would take him though? He could join Jenks at Forest.
When they know, you can just tell straight away. What they focus on to talk about and communicate with fans is astounding. I don’t think communication was this good with fans even in Wenger era.
I agree, it’s remarkable insight really
I don’t know what Edu does but if he can gain back some of the power Sanlehi has with market purchase and have the ear of the current gaffer, that would be better. Sanlehi bought creatively but one suspects he was very much calling the shots and Unai was left jar half empty without significant recruitment beyond the existential saliba at Cback plus lack of investment at CM (Cebellos aside) Inexperience might be an issue with Edu. He will be on a learing curve. As for his pick of Arteta, better than big Sam I suppose. Truthfully, probably lack of… Read more »
tell you what some of the things you say i agree with then you turn on the things that should make us happy as supporters even if you are right, at the moment that fans can have something to get behind you want to piss all over it you my friend are a sad cunt
It’s an important relationship, that of manager and Technical director, so to read this is great!! Edu will have Arteta’s back and Arteta respects Edu and his position. It’s just what the club needs. Good relationships, cohesion and harmony on and off the field.