Arsenal Arteta’s benefiting from Edu transfer masterclass, but faces fresh transfer test

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is set to reap the rewards of an inspired transfer decision by Edu after the international break. The Gunners are facing a difficult dilemma ahead of their trip to Bournemouth but they might already have the perfect solution.

The north Londoners will be the favourites to claim all three points but may be forced to do it without the help of their best player. Bukayo Saka is a doubt for the match after limping off with an apparent hamstring injury during England’s defeat to Greece.

Saka will be sorely missed if he is ruled out of the Bournemouth game, but a masterstroke from Edu means Arsenal will not lose too much quality if their attacking talisman is unable to play.

Edu left it late to sign Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea in the final hours of the summer transfer window. The move has proven to be an inspired one, with the Gunners now having the cover for Saka they so desperately needed at times last season.

It was a low-risk signing to give Arsenal the attacking depth which will prove crucial if Saka is not fit enough to play against Bournemouth. Having Sterling in the squad will give Arteta some extra peace of mind when it comes to his team selection.

There is still a chance that Saka could recover in time to play against Bournemouth and reduce Sterling to a spot on the bench. England boss Lee Carsley offered a promising update when quizzed on Saka’s condition ahead of Sunday’s game against Finland.

“Bukayo would have been close but it would have been unfair to take a risk with him,” explained Carsley. “He’s a positive person and I expect him to be fine.”

Saka left the England camp and returned to Arsenal after his injury against Greece and will be hoping to feature against Bournemouth. However, it seems almost certain that Sterling will come in to replace him on the right flank if he is ruled out.

The on-loan Chelsea man is more than capable of filling in for Saka, having impressed in spells for the Gunners this season. He will get the chance to step up and make a bigger impact if he is called upon to face Bournemouth this weekend.

Only time will tell if Sterling will be needed against the Cherries, with Saka facing a race against time to be fit again. Arteta will not want to risk playing his star man if he is not fully ready, meaning it is likely to be a late call ahead of kick-off.