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      How pundits predict Premier League title race will unfold with Man City slump and Arsenal to finally end drought

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      THE Premier League RETURNS this weekend to cap off an incredible summer of sport.And predictions aplenty have already been made for what promises to be another exciting season in the English top flight.The Premier League resumes action this weekendCredit: THE TIMESDefending champions Manchester City will bid to win an incredible FIFTH straight titleCredit: PAPlayers-turned-pundits like Paul Scholes have been chiming in with their predictions for the seasonCredit: GETTYWill Pep Guardiola be able to guide Manchester City to an unprecedented FIFTH straight Premier League title?Or will Arsenal finally be able to break the Sky Blues’ stranglehold on the league and end their 21-year-long wait for domestic glory?Footie fans up and down the country have been chiming in with their predictions for the new season, which kicks off on Friday night.Pundits galore – both those on TV and those in their YouTube armchairs – are starting to weigh in with their thoughts on outcomes for the new campaign.READ MORE PREM NEWSAnd SunSport has rounded up predictions from some of the biggest names in the game for you to cast your eye over.Paul ScholesThe former Manchester United and England midfielder told beIN Sports: “I think the favourites are the same as last year. “Man City will be favourites, closely followed by Arsenal.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I do expect Arsenal to be the team to win it this year. I think they’ve progressed over the last couple of years under Mikel Arteta.Most read in Football”I just think this year is the time where they are ready to win it. Incredible timelapse video shows Premier League stadium transform for multiple different sports weeks before new season”It’s not going to be easy, there’s going to be a lot of competition because the top seven or eight teams in England are all good teams.”But I just think Arsenal will be the team to break the Manchester City cycle this season.”Jamie CarragherThe Liverpool legend told Sky Bet: “I’ll go Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool. Fourth? I think that will be… I’m gonna go [with] Tottenham.”Fifth, I’m gonna go [with] Manchester United. And sixth, I’m gonna for; I’ll go with Aston Villa.”Jamie Carragher reckons Manchester City’s reign of dominance will continueCredit: GETTYMark Lawrenson“I think that Arsenal can finally pip Manchester City to the title this season, they’ve got better season by season.”Mikel Arteta is a driven man, and nearly all of the players there are players he has brought in.“Signing Riccardo Calafiori as well, they will hardly concede.”Scoring has been a little bit of a problem for them, but I think they’ll sign a striker before the end of the transfer window.”That could be what secures them the Premier League title.”Mark Lawrenson is tipping Arsenal for Premier League gloryCredit: AlamyMichael Owen”Arsenal and Manchester City will go in virtually everybody’s top four predictions,” the former Liverpool and Manchester United man told Casino Hawks. “And I think Liverpool will probably be in there as well despite there being some questions over how well Arne Slot will fit in.”I had a thought about Newcastle but Aston Villa are solid and look to be still improving.”In terms of the order, my thought process is if City are not gonna win it, they could actually drop away a little bit.”It’s almost like if City are not gonna be really in the race after 10 games then their priority could go elsewhere – I think there could be a big surprise this season.”I’m going to go for Arsenal first, Liverpool second, Aston Villa third and Manchester City fourth.”Michael Owen reckons Arsenal will lift the Prem trophy aloft at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyAdrian ClarkeThe former Arsenal midfielder said: “Manchester City will be favourites to win their fifth consecutive title, but I do feel it could be Arsenal’s time to be champions.”The team has improved under Mikel Arteta season after season, and if that happens again the Gunners will reach 90 plus points.”With a few additions and fire in their belly, I fancy Arsenal to end their wait for the title.”He added: “I see the title race being more of a two-horse race this season as Liverpool adjust to Arne Slot’s rebuild at Anfield.”I do feel that Tottenham Hotspur have a great chance of landing top four this season, but Ange Postecoglou will want more players to come in before the end of August that suit his style.”Several high-profile pundits believes Arsenal’s title drought will come to an endCredit: REXGary NevilleFormer Red Devils right-back Gary Neville revealed his top four predictions on Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bet.Neville backed Man City to make it five-in-a-row with Arsenal following closely behind in second.Controversially, the outspoken pundit stuck Manchester United in third and Tottenham in fourth – leaving Liverpool to miss out on a spot in the top four.Explaining his decision, he said: “I think that Tottenham fell away badly [last year], but they’ve got something.”I think they’ve got something and I’m going for Tottenham [above Liverpool.”Later adding that he thinks Liverpool may not even make the top six under new boss Arne Slot.Gary Neville thinks Man City will come out on top once againCredit: PAIan WrightArsenal icon Ian Wright has backed his former side to finally lift the league title after missing out to City for the past two seasons.Wrighty told The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet, that he thinks the Gunners will finish first with City in second, and Manchester United and Aston Villa making up the final two spots in the top four.Backing Villa to have another great season, he said: “You can’t not have Villa in the top four.”Not with the way they’ve been moving and the signings they’ve made.”I thought Liverpool, but I’ve changed my mind. We’re making predictions before we know everything, but they’ve made a few really good signings.”Adding: “That manager [Unai Emery] knows what he’s doing. They’ve got a goalscorer, a really good midfield.”[Amadou] Onana has gone there, they have [Ian] Maatsen at left back and [Ezri Konsa] at the back. I’m telling you man, their whole spine is brilliant.”Ian Wright has backed his former club to finally lift the league title againCredit: GettyRoy KeaneRoy Keane, also speaking to the Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet, explained he expects Man City to retain their title with Arsenal chasing behind in a close second once again.The Man Utd legend backed his old club to finish third and Aston Villa to sneak in behind them and grab fourth spot.Speaking on that final top four spot, Keane said: “I don’t think it’ll be Spurs. Villa have got more chance than Spurs.”Adding that Unai Emery will be able to balance Villa’s Champions League campaign with their Premier League fixture list.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe explained: “I think he’s used to European football that manager, he knows it.”The format has changed in the Champions League this year, it’ll be different – I’m telling you.”Roy Keane has faith in Manchester United to restore their spot back in the top four, but thinks Man City will still come out on top as championsCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal sign rising Sweden star Rosa Kafaji following swoop for ex-Barcelona ace Mariona Caldentey

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      ROSA KAFAJI is hungry to compete for football’s biggest prizes with Arsenal after making a permanent switch to the north London giants.The forward’s transfer from Swedish side BK Hacken was confirmed today with the Gunners boosting their attacking options following Vivianne Miedema’s departure in May.Rosa Kafaji’s Arsenal move follows the club signing former Barcelona forward Mariona Caldentey last monthCredit: ReutersKafaji has signed a long-term contract with Gunners after a two-year stint with Swedish top-flight side BK HackenCredit: GettyArsenal will begin their first tour of the United States this week with the team due to face Washington Spirit and Chelsea in pre-season friendlies on August 18 and 25.Credit: GettyThe club confirmed Kafaji has joined the WSL side on a long-term deal, the length of which has not been publicly disclosed.Of her Gunners move, the nine-capped Sweden player, 21, said: “It feels amazing to join this club”I’m hungry to keep growing and I know this is the right place for me to do that and compete for the biggest trophies.”Kafaji’s transfer, after two years with Hacken, follows reports linking the versatile Sweden forward with an imminent Arsenal switch.Read More Football Stories The club have been strengthening their attacking options ahead of their bid to win a WSL title for the first time since 2019.This includes a swoop for Mariona Caldentey with the Spain forward sealing permanent Arsenal move in July after ten years playing for Barcelona.During her decade-long spell with the Catalan giants she scored 114 goals in 302 games, winning 22 trophies including three Champions League titles.Kafaji, 21, ended last season as Hacken’s top scorer with 15 goals across all competitions, including four netted during last term’s Champions League contest.Most read in FootballThe forward also impressed for Sweden when they were held to a 0-0 draw by England in a match that ended with the Lionesses sealing automatic qualification for next year’s Euros. And she is seen one of the world’s most promising young forwards by Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall.The Arsenal Women’s head coach said: “I’ve been a keen admirer of her game for a number of years.“She plays with a fearlessness beyond her age and I know she has the hunger and mentality it takes to realise her potential here with Arsenal.“I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring Rosa to the club. She’s one of the most exciting young talents in the world.”The Gunners’ director of women’s football Clare Wheatley added: “Rosa is one of the outstanding young players in the game and we’re so happy to have brought her to Arsenal.”She has already gained great experience, and has the ambition and desire to continue to develop and grow in our environment.”Kafaji’s move to the seven-time league cup winners comes just over three months after ex-Arsenal ace Miedema played her last game for the side.The Netherlands all-time top scorer, who netted 125 goals in 172 Arsenal appearances, left the club at the end of last term. She went on to join their title foes Manchester City as a free agent in July.The WSL rivals will go toe-to-toe on Sunday 22 September in their highly anticipated season-opening clash at the Emirates.The match is likely to see Miedema face her old side for the first time since sealing a three-year move to the Cityzens last term.Her old club are set to play 11 of their matches at the Emirates next season.Arsenal will host Manchester City at the Emirates on September 22 in their first WSL game of next seasonCredit: GettyAnd Sweden ace Kafaji is relishing the prospect of playing alongside her new team-mates at the stadium next term.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe adds: “I can’t wait to get started and walk out at Emirates Stadium in front of all our supporters. “I had a very good feeling after speaking to Jonas and Clare and it just feels right to be at Arsenal.” More

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      Inside Arsenal’s set-piece evolution for new season including Ben White’s ‘demotion’ and Riccardo Calafiori’s impact

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      ARSENAL’S set-piece prowess looks to be carrying on from last season – with signs of some subtle changes.The Gunners scored 16 times from corners in the Prem in 2023/24 – the most out of anyone in the division.William Saliba and Gabriel both scored from corners at the weekendCredit: GettyArsenal set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has found new ways to improve the GunnersCredit: GettyIn total, Mikel Arteta’s men found the net from 22 set-pieces – excluding penalties – in the league, form that almost won the title as they agonisingly missed out to Manchester City on the final day.Set-piece coach and guru Nicolas Jover has transformed the North Londoners with his NFL-style routines, both in attack and defence.And in their final pre-season outing – Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Lyon – both goals came from Declan Rice corners via William Saliba and Gabriel headers in the first half.But while much is the same, that win also showed that Jover has a few more tricks up his sleeve for opponents this campaign.read more arsenalBen White was chief tormentor last year, often tasked with annoying the opposition goalkeeper – notably in the North London derby when he tried to remove Tottenham keeper Guglielmo Vicario’s glove from a corner.Yet his role looks to have been tinkered with, and he is not the only one.Saliba has a more active role in the six-yard box, Gabriel has license to attack from deep and the introduction of £42m new signing Riccardo Calafiori has added further height and power.There is also much more emphasis on the back post, an area that Arteta and Jover believe Arsenal can dominate aerially.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal won 12 corners against Lyon, the first coming in the fifth minute with Rice – now their first-choice and most effective corner taker – stepping up to deliver with an in-swinger.Arsenal vs Lyon: Player Ratings RevealedThey set up with five players at the back post (see above) – an imposing mob of Saliba, White, Thomas Partey, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli.Gabriel is hovering near the penalty spot. Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka are on the edge of the box and Oleksandr Zinchenko acts as cover. Lyon bizarrely only have two men marking the five with Partey left completely on his own at the back.Partey, Saliba, White and Martinelli all run into the six-yard box towards the near post but Havertz spins to the byline and runs behind the keeper on his blind side. Rice’s delivery is a poor one and does not reach the first man but Martinelli keeps it alive and wins another corner.It is a similar set-up (see above), but this time Saliba is closer to the keeper ready to act as a blocker when the ball comes in with Partey, White, Havertz and Martinelli filling the six-yard box.Gabriel races to the back post but the ball comes to an unmarked Martinelli whose connection is wayward.Arsenal win their third corner inside 10 minutes and things eventually click with an identical set-up to the first.But this time, it is Saliba who spins his marker and runs into the goal and around the keeper while his teammates crowd the near post.Saliba now has the space to readjust before guiding his header in to open the scoring in the ninth minute.By the 27th minute, Arsenal are shaking things up. Saliba stands directly on the keeper to block as Gabriel outmuscles his marker and heads for the near post.While the likes of Havertz, White and Partey have filled the six-yard box to apply pressure, the keeper fails to jump over Saliba to clear the ball and Gabriel heads in.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is not just at corners where Arsenal are trying something new. In the 65th minute, Calafiori comes on for his debut and immediately joins the back-post mob for a Saka free-kick on the far right.With Zinchenko off, White acts as the counter-attack stopper and Calafiori uses his huge frame to cause chaos, giving Saliba space to flick on towards Havertz at the far post but the touch is too hard.Arsenal have a tricky start to the new season More

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      Arsenal’s friendly with Lyon ends in confusion with pre-season protocol SCRAPPED minutes beforehand

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      ARSENAL’s 2-0 victory over Lyon in the Emirates Cup ended in widespread confusion.A pre-arranged feature at full-time was abruptly SCRAPPED as fans stayed behind to watch.Arsenal players and fans were left perplexed after the penalties were cancelledCredit: AlamyMartin Odegaard was ready to take his spot-kickCredit: GettyExhibition penalty shoot-outs have been the general protocol in all of Mikel Arteta’s preseason fixtures this summer, with many citing the need to entertain the American crowds during their USA tour.And this promised to be no different, with supporters already having been told to stay behind and cheer on the takers no matter the full-time score.The Emirates voice-over even announced at the final whistle that the penalties – which have zero bearing on the result – will go ahead.But after all the build-up, the shoot-out was surprisingly ditched.read more on arsenalMidway through the match, French side Lyon decided that they did not want to take part in the contest. Boos rung around the ground as the bad news was broken to supporters, who were now doomed to face large crowds heading for the tube.Never mind the glorious weather, the brilliant attacking football, the opportunity to see international stars, new signings and future talent, the fans felt cheated by the news.And supporters there and at home were quick to call-out the error.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne wrote: “Weird last minute change to Emirates cup match. The promised penalty shoot-out was cancelled. Online references now deleted. Why?”While another said: “Arsenal have always done a shootout. Why have they stopped it at the last minute?”Arsenal vs Lyon: Player Ratings RevealedThe Gunners lost 4-3 in their jovial penalty shootout against Manchester United after they beat Erik ten Hag’s side 2-1 in LA last month.Meanwhile, they beat Bournemouth in spot kicks after the two sides drew 1-1 after 90 minutes.After the Lyon game, Arsenal’s players did a lap of honour before lifting the Emirates Cup in North London.Martin Odegaard collected the trophy and sheepishly lifted it alongside his bemused teammates, who have their eyes set on the Premier League title this season.Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      Arsenal player ratings: Gabriel and Saliba both shine but Havertz squanders decent opening against Lyon

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      ARSENAL cruised to a 2-0 victory over French side Lyon in the Emirates Cup in North London.Defenders William Saliba and Gabriel got on the team-sheet with almost identical goals from two Declan Rice corners, while former Gunner Ainsley Maitland-Niles returned to N5.William Saliba opened the scoring inside nine minutesCredit: GettyWhile Gabriel’s copy-cat header doubled Arsenal’s lead in the 27th minuteCredit: RexIt was a perfect way for Mikel Arteta’s side to wrap up pre-season ahead of the start of the Premier League next weekend.Here is how Jordan Davies rated Arsenal’s performers from the Emirates Stadium.DAVID RAYA – 6Could have sat on the sidelines for most of the game and not conceded. One hairy moment saw Said Benrahma fluff his lines from a dangerous cross.read more arsenal newsHis first real save came in the 84th minute after a Jorginho error.BEN WHITE – 7Such is his quality and knowledge of his role that he can drift through games comfortably, never caught out of position and rarely makes a mistake.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWILLIAM SALIBA – 8Composed in both boxes. Barely broke sweat in defence and celebrated a simple headed finish from a corner inside the opening 10 minutes.Saliba started despite only returning to training this weekCredit: PAGABRIEL – 8When he runs in the opposition box at speed, with his power and physicality, there is no one in world football stopping him. Most read in FootballA fine header from a corner after spinning to the back post.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO – 7Dictated on the ball well and pushed high with Lyon struggling to get out. Likely to start against Wolves after a solid pre-season.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7 Quiet but efficient first half. Should have made it 3-0 with a shot just after the break that was well saved.Martin Odegaard starred against former West Ham star Said BenrahmaCredit: GettyDECLAN RICE – 8Pressing from the front and showcasing his abilities as Arsenal’s corner taker once more, teeing up Saliba and Gabriel in the opening half an hour.Declan Rice’s deliveries picked up from where he left them in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyTHOMAS PARTEY – 7 Looks back to his best. Disruptive in defence and silky with the ball at his feet to spark counters, especially when feeding Saka down the right.BUKAYO SAKA – 7Tore Lyon left-back Vinicius Abner to shreds with his darting runs inside and out, having a headed effort saved and another go narrowly wide in the first half.Smacked the post in the second half. Did everything but score.Bukayo Saka was unlucky to not get on the scoresheetCredit: GettyKAI HAVERTZ – 6 Back as a No.9 after playing in midfield in mid-week and was not as effective. Squandered a decent opening in the 53rd minute.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7 A real livewire performance that just lacked some cutting edge and coolness that is needed if he is to start ahead of Leandro Trossard next weekend, wasting several opportunities in the first half.Subs:RICCARDO CALAFIORI (Zinchenko, 65) – 6Pushed forward well when given the chance and put in some crunching tackles.READ MORE SUN STORIESWas met with a huge reception from the Emirates crowd.Riccardo Calafiori made his Arsenal debutCredit: GettyGABRIEL JESUS (RICE, 65) – 6Forced to shake off a painful knock to his left ankle but barely got a sniff with the game winding down.Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      Ivan Toney could be set for shock transfer abroad having been linked with moves to Arsenal, Man Utd and Chelsea

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      ENGLAND star Ivan Toney is a top target for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli, according to shock reports.The Brentford striker has been heavily linked with an exit as he has just one year left on his contract.Ivan Toney is wanted by Saudi Pro League chiefsCredit: ReutersSunSport exclusively revealed that the Bees were initially ready to slash their asking price to just £30million for Toney.But after new striker Igor Thiago picked up a knee injury that is set to rule him out until December, the club were having a re-think about selling their main man.A host of Premier League clubs have been linked with a move for Toney – including Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham.But reporter Fabrizio Romano claims there is interest from the Saudi Pro League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe reports that Toney is one of the “main strikers being considered” by chiefs in the Middle East.Al-Ahli have supposedly had an interest since January.The report also claims that the player is “assessing his options” and is yet to make a decision on his future.But his choices could now be limited as United have signed Joshua Zirkzee, Spurs have completed a deal for Dominic Solanke and Niclas Fullkrug has joined West Ham.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSToney scored four goals in 17 games last season after serving an eight-month betting ban.He was also a member of the England squad that fell just short in the final to Spain.A move to Al-Ahli would see him team-up with ex-Prem stars Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino.Man Utd transfer target Ivan Toney talks about his experience playing for England More

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      Dream Team 2024/25: Arsenal’s top stars, bargain options & players to avoid

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      HAVING failed to make top four for six consecutive seasons between 2016/17 and 2021/22, Arsenal have since finished as Premier League runners-up twice in a row.The Gunners have raised their game and Dream Team points have flowed freely as a result.And so it’s no surprise several of Mikel Arteta’s favourites are set to the start the new campaign among the most-popular players in the game – but are gaffers got the true lay of the land?PLAY DREAM TEAM AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON – £50,000 TOP PRIZE PLUS £5,000 FOR GAMEWEEK 1 WINNER!A top-tier Dream Team assetCredit: Dream TeamLet’s analyse Arsenal’s top stars, bargain options and players to avoid.TOP STARSStill just 22 years old, Bukayo Saka (£6m) is a well-established Dream Team superstar.2023/24 was the talented winger’s best campaign yet as he racked up 363 points when all was said and done – a total bettered by just three players.Goals, assists, bonus points… the England star does it all.Arsenal dominated defence last season with Ben White (£5m), Gabriel (£5m) and William Saliba (£5m) making up the podium, leaving the likes of Josko Gvardiol (£4.5m) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.5m) in their wake.Most read in FootballInterestingly, it’s the Frenchman who is the most selected of the trio ahead of Gameweek 1 with a massive ownership of 25.2%.Over a quarter of gaffers are prepared to back Saliba from the get-go at £5mCredit: GettySaliba is undoubtedly a class act but it’s worth noting that White amassed 28 points more than his team-mate last time out, by virtue of ten goal involvements.Gabriel features in almost a third as many times as his centre-back partner, which is rather curious as the Brazilian generally poses a greater threat at attacking set-pieces.Dream Team’s Fantasy Football GamePLAY DREAM TEAM AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON!Free to play£50,000 jackpot for overall winner plus weekly prizesPlayers score points in Premier League games, European competitions and both domestic cupsPlay in Mini Leagues against your mates£5,000 prize for Gameweek 1Play via Dream Team’s app or website today!Switching focus back to midfield, Martin Odegaard (£5m) is worthy of his status as the joint-sixth most-expensive asset in his position and the fifth-most selected.The Gunners’ captain scored 11 goals and provided 13 assists on his way to 272 points last time out.He picks up very few yellow cards, is a guaranteed starter when fit, and passes the eye test with flying colours more often than not.BARGAIN OPTIONSNew recruitCredit: GettyArsenal’s improvement in recent years has resulted in a price hike across the board, meaning genuine bargains are virtually non-existent.That being said, Riccardo Calafiori’s (£4m) arrival is an interesting proposition.If the Italy international immediately establishes himself as first-choice left-back then he would offer a relatively affordable route into the best defence in the country – he’s £1million cheaper than White, Saliba and Gabriel right now.This strategy might be overly bold for Gameweek 1 as it’s not a given that Calafiori will slot straight into the starting line-up – Oleksandar Zinchenko (£3.5m), Takehiro Tomiyasu (£3m), Jurrien Timber (£3.5m) and Jakub Kiwior (£3m) are all capable of playing at left-back.Waiting for a clearer indication of Arteta’s pecking order seems wise.PLAYERS TO AVOIDMartinelli struggled at times last seasonCredit: GettyGabriel Martinelli (£4m) has been a frustrating asset in the world of Dream Team of late.Having plundered 15 league goals in 2022/23, he mustered just six last season and seemed bereft of confidence at times.Dream Team bosses know what the Brazil international is capable of when everything clicks but most will want to see improvements before he’s considered viable.It’s a similar story for Gabriel Jesus (£4.5m) who has enjoyed hot streaks in previous seasons but has suffered injury setbacks and a dip in form more recently.READ MORE SUN STORIESKai Havertz (£4.5m) was mightily effective at the back end of last term when tasked with leading the line and if he is given the nod at centre-forward again come Gameweek 1 then Arsenal’s Brazilian No9 may have to settle for a substitute role.PICK YOUR DREAM TEAM TODAY! More

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      Arsenal chief Edu opens up on ‘unpopular’ transfers and reveals three factors which kill a player’s Gunners career

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      EDU believes a series of “unpopular decisions” have transformed Arsenal from pretenders to championship contenders.The Gunners’ squad has undergone a massive face-lift since their former midfielder was appointed the club’s technical director in July 2019.Edu joined Arsenal in 2019 as the club’s technical directorCredit: GETTYThe Brazilian was promoted to the club’s sporting director in November 2022Credit: GETTYEdu oversaw a major shakeup of the squad and helped get rid of high earners Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut OzilCredit: GETTYEdu, Sporting director of Arsenal FA Cup 3rd Round Oxford United v Arsenal Kassam Stadium 09.01.2023 Photograph By Marc Aspland The TimesCredit: MARC ASPLANDHe was promoted to sporting director in November 2022 and subsequently took a more hands-on role with the comings and goings at the club.Former fan favourites like Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have all departed the Emirates since Edu was appointed sporting director.Arsenal’s fortunes on the pitch have simultaneously improved since the Brazilian has been at the helm of the transfer ship, with the club narrowly missing out on the Premier League title in the last two seasons.And Edu believes there has been a correlation between the club’s uptake in recent years and the clearing of the deadwood.READ MORE ON ARSENALHe told the Men in Blazers podcast: “When you live in the football world, sometimes you have to make decisions simple and sometimes you have to make decisions even if it is not popular. “You have to be very strong on your ideas, what you believe, what is good for the club, what is good for the future of the club.”For me, there are some elements in football which I will always give a lot of attention. “When I joined, I looked at the squad balance, the positions, the age of the group.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal have a tricky start to the season”There are three elements that you have to be really aware of.”First of all, we have to see the age of the player. Then you have to see the salary of the player. Three reasons Arsenal’s new signing Riccardo Calafiori is a huge upgrade “And third you have to see the performance of the player.”If you have a player over 26 or 27 years, you need attention. If his salary is high, you need attention. And if he is not performing, you are dead.”Let’s come back… If you have a player, 27 years old or 28, on a big salary, but he is performing, you can accept it. “What you cannot accept is if you have those three elements and the player is over 28.”You start to become uncomfortable and it is better for you to move them on – because maybe this player is blocking someone younger, an asset who could help you.”When I came to Arsenal, I saw all the squad, with respect, almost everyone was over 26, 27, on big salaries and not performing.”If you have those three elements, which club in the world wants to come here and buy one of our players? No-one.”So how do you deal with that situation? You have to be strong and sometimes you have to make decisions. “You can go strong and try to let those players go or your project is going to take, instead of three or four years, maybe seven, eight or nine.”Unpopular decisions started to come.EduOn Arsenal’s transfer policyEdu continued: “Then unpopular decisions started to come. Because most of the players that have those elements, they have a fanbase and a media that love them.”But for the club, it is not healthy sometimes to keep the player in that situation.’ “When I started I saw every single player in the squad with those three characteristics.”Then I said: ‘Guys, we have to clean this squad, with all my respect, to build a new foundation here.'”From that foundation, we need to sign younger players, on lower salaries, with better futures, who are hungry to take us where we want to go.'”READ MORE SUN STORIESEdu would have played a key role in Arsenal’s two signings of the summer, the permanent acquisition of David Raya from Brentford and the £42million arrival of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.Arsenal kick off their Premier League campaign a week on Saturday, welcoming Wolves to the Emirates.Edu and Mikel Arteta have worked synergistically to improve Arsenal’s form on the pitchCredit: Getty More