Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has issued a strong statement, insisting that one particular player should leave the club immediately or risk having his contract terminated by January.
His frustration stemmed from Arsenal’s league position, lagging behind teams like Nottingham Forest despite significant financial investment in the squad.
Kroenke’s message followed a recent visit to the team’s training session, where he assessed the players’ performances firsthand.
Arsenal’s outgoing sporting director, Edu, has previously emphasized the importance of winning the Premier League “the right way.”
Edu, a key figure in Arsenal’s resurgence over recent seasons, has built a strong partnership with manager Mikel Arteta that has revitalized the club and brought them back into title contention.
However, Edu is now set to part ways with Arsenal after discussions with the club’s leadership.
Under Edu’s tenure, Arsenal has made notable progress, finishing as runners-up in the league twice, trailing behind Manchester City.
His impact on the team’s development has been significant, and ahead of the current season, Edu shared his vision of achieving success while adhering to a certain set of values.
This vision was highlighted in an interview with the *Men in Blazers* podcast in August, where Edu explained why it was crucial for Arsenal to succeed by maintaining integrity and principles.
Edu expressed: “We absolutely want to win titles and bring trophies to this football club, but how we achieve those victories is just as important to me.”
His comments underscored the idea that it’s not just about winning but winning with pride and maintaining a standard that aligns with the club’s values. Edu further elaborated:
“I want to compete as fiercely as possible, even internally, but I also want to win in the best way we can.
I want us to claim trophies and have people look at our team and say, ‘I’m proud of what you guys are doing because you’re winning in the right way.’”
He made it clear that his focus was solely on Arsenal’s standards and identity, not on comparisons with other clubs.
“I’m speaking about ourselves—how we approach winning, losing, drawing, and achieving success.
This mindset is what makes sense to me,” he stated.
Despite not securing a trophy last season, Edu highlighted the importance of the club’s overall journey and the respect it garners from fans.
He believed that Arsenal supporters appreciate the effort and progress, even when silverware isn’t immediately obtained.
Edu said, “Ask any Arsenal fan how they feel about us. That’s what matters to me.
They need to feel proud of how we’re working because that’s the reality of sports.
Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but the way you conduct yourself through it all is what counts.”
This approach has resonated with the fanbase, as Arsenal has shown growth, fighting spirit, and a commitment to playing attractive football under Edu and Arteta’s leadership.
However, the team’s current struggles, coupled with Kroenke’s impatience, suggest that changes could be on the horizon.
The January transfer window could bring significant adjustments as Kroenke’s ultimatum signals that underperforming players may be shown the door to ensure the club’s competitiveness in the league.
