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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Callum Vurley

Arsenal chief Edu joins son Luigi Gaspar as he signs for new club after Gunners exit

Luigi Gaspar has completed his move from Arsenal to Watford this summer with his father Edu joining him in his announcement on social media.

It comes amid a flurry of transfers at the Emirates as Mikel Arteta looks to break the bank for a second summer in a row. The likes of Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira and Matt Turner have signed and there could more on the way.

Leicester star Youri Tielemans remains a top target as well as Leeds United ace Raphinha while a second striker is also being eyed to play alongside Jesus. Several players linked include Victor Osimhen, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Lautaro Martinez and Tammy Abraham.

But one exit that might have gone unnoticed is that of Edu's son Luigi, who saw his contract expire at the Emirates at the end of June. And the 18-year-old has left to sign for Watford's academy.

It ends a two-year stint at Arsenal for the teenager which was plagued by injuries that kept him out for most of his first season. It also prevented him from making much of an impact last campaign, making just seven appearances.

However, he will hope a move to Vicarage Road - not too far from where his father works still - will rekindle his fledgling career and also grant him an easier path to first-team football. Arsenal had offered Gaspar a contract but it was turned down with the midfielder looking for a new experience.

In a social media post on Instagram, the starlet announced his excitement to sign for the Hornets alongside his mum and dad. He said: "Hi Hornets. Buzzing to be joining this amazing club.

"It’s a very special moment for me and my family, hopefully we’ll have lots of good moments together! A dream came true! Looking forward to the upcoming season. Can’t wait to get started, see you guys soon."

But while young Luigi embarks on a new adventure, Edu has plenty of work left to complete at Arsenal where the phone has not stopped ringing. Arteta is desperate to see his side tussling at the top after narrowly missing out on the top four last season.

While there are still plans afoot for Tielemans, Raphinha and another striker, perhaps the most important piece of business will be whether they can win the race for Lisandro Martinez. The Argentina international has told Ajax that he wants to move to the Premier League this summer.

However, the Gunners are locked in a battle with Manchester United where Erik ten Hag - who knows the defender well from his time in Amsterdam - is also pushing for a transfer. The centre-back, who can also play at left-back and defensive midfield, might be the difference between who finishes in the top four and who does not.

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