Arsenal drawing with Southampton shows transfer chief Edu must act on his word

Arsenal technical director Edu must follow up on his statement that Mikel Arteta is in desperate need of a creative midfielder as it was clear for all to see during his side’s Premier League clash with Southampton.

Arteta was reasonably backed in the summer transfer window with £45million spent triggering Thomas Party’s Atletico Madrid release clause.

Gabriel Magalhaes and Willian were also brought in to help close the gap on the top four.

The new signings have not yet made the desired impact with Arteta’s side languishing closer to the relegation zone than Champions League places.

Added to that, club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had stopped firing until he netted the equaliser against the Saints.

The Gunners lacked imagination as they headed into half-time 1-0 down courtesy of Theo Walcott’s clever dink over Bernd Leno.

Southampton controlled the possession and looked the more threatening with Danny Ings spearheading the attack.

After the break Arsenal came out on the front foot and looked lively down the left flank through Bukayo Saka.

The England international’s mazy run opened the door for Aubameyang to draw the hosts level.

Gabriel then got sent off to make the final half hour a tense one for the Gunners.

“We need a player with creativity in the middle. We don’t have that in the squad right now.”