By Andy Strouthous
October 26 2004

Edu, or is it his agent, claims that the has been offered a 5 year contract. The response is to claim that he has offers from big clubs elsewhere. Now Sky claim its not Barcelona. Exclusive
Arsenal Times can now reveal from the impeccable sources that kept us informed on Paddy's progress that it is not Real Madrid. (By the way did Paddy sell his Hampstead drum now he is not going)

That allegedly only leaves Manure, and we all know what a sharp eye ol red nose has for Latin American Mid-Fielders at bargain prices. That could be the kiss of death.

For a long time I have been a strong advocate of Edu, I am talking two or three years here, I felt he was better than Gilberto or Parlour - but nothing stays still. I have to admit that Gilberto has been better of late, and Fabregas even better.
We need a big squad, but I cant help feeling that Edu is missing the train again - why?

Perhaps his involvement with Brazil has undermined his fitness and focus. He was poor for first 70 minutes against Rosenborg - and it was probably him not the hapless Lauren that Paddy should have got by the throat (if he ever did).
Edu is great going forward, but he has lapses losing the ball in midfield, whacking the occasional own goal, and failing to defend in the right area.

So has Edu convinced himself he is worth more than offered, has his Brazilian experience convinced him he is far better than we all realised. Or does he feel that Fabregas will also challenge his place? Or is it all a brilliant negotiating ploy to squeeze more money and starts? There again it could just be a bump on the head.

One last thought on Midfielders
Flamini got 10 minutes yesterday, just as Charlton were at their most ragged, nonetheless they beat him to the ball, and he was not strong enough to hold it. He probably needs to strengthen up like Reyes did, who was brilliant yesterday. What I liked most about Reyes's performance was his chasing back and defending. He is so much stronger now and can hold players off. Pennant was also excellent, now he cuts in a lot he is so much better.

Carry on Sprinkling
Once again the pitch was too wet, it was watered at the start and halftime. Then it teemed down and everyone fell over, I am not quite sure why they keep doing this? Perhaps the groundsman is getting Timbuctu's weather forecast by mistake.