Arsenal sporting director Edu is watching the World Cup take place in Qatar with a keen eye on potential transfer targets to sign in January.
The Gunners have 10 representatives playing in the tournament after heading away on international duty on the back of a brilliant first half of the season. Arsenal will stay top of the Premier League at Christmas as the players left behind prepare for the resumption of domestic football action on Boxing Day.
The north London outfit will take part in the Dubai Cup with a friendly against Juventus set to take place on Saturday, December 17 at the Emirates Stadium. football.london understands a winger and central midfielder are two areas Arsenal are keen to strengthen in the winter transfer window ahead of a crucial second half of the season.
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One star at the World Cup that Edu has openly admitted to being a fan of in the past is West Ham and Brazil midfielder Lucas Paqueta. Paqueta featured in Brazil's World Cup opening win against Serbia which resulted in the Arsenal chief sending him a message on Instagram.
Paqueta joined West Ham from Lyon in the summer transfer window, but he was linked with a move to the Hammers’ London and Premier League rivals Arsenal. Edu told Brazilian news outlet TNT Sports in July that he “really” likes the midfielder, and that he is a “big fan since long time” of his Brazilian compatriot.
Paqueta posted a picture from the 2-0 win against Serbia on Instagram, expressing his delight at making his World Cup debut after enjoying a strong performance for Tite's side. Edu commented on Paqueta's post, saying: "Up! *love heart emoji*."
Paqueta has made seven starts and one substitute appearance in the Premier League for West Ham so far this season, providing two assists in the process. Whilst a move looks doubtful in January, Edu continues to keep tabs on the Brazilian star and may look to complete a deal for the 25-year-old in the future.
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