Edu nearly signed me instead of Declan Rice, now I’m ready to cause Arsenal Champions League misery

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Despite their recent struggles in the Premier League, Arsenal are still going very well in Europe, winning two of their three fixtures.

Mikel Arteta navigated a tricky away trip to Atalanta before Arsenal then secured three points at home to both Paris Saint-Germain and Shakhtar Donetsk. 

In that respect, heading to Italy to face Inter Milan will likely be Arsenal’s biggest test in the Champions League since they bowed out to Bayern Munich last season.

Inter have also taken seven points from three games, only failing to beat Manchester City at the Etihad, something Arsenal couldn’t quite achieve either.

A big tie for Arteta and his side, and one that a former Arsenal transfer target will be hoping to decide.

Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez ready to prove Arsenal wrong

Among the stars that Arsenal will be up against on Wednesday evening, captain Lautaro Martinez is arguably the biggest threat to Arteta’s side.

27-year-old Martinez has already scored six goals and provided four assists in 13 games this season, adding to his remarkable record for Inter over the years.

READ MORE: Chris Sutton thinks £50m star has been a serious ‘disappointment’ ever since he joined Arsenal

Of course, it was that record that led Arsenal to consider a bid for Martinez at the start of last summer.

According to reports in Italy, Arsenal were considering a move for the striker at a time when they decided to invest heavily in Declan Rice instead.

Arsenal also recruited Kai Havertz that summer, even if he was originally intended to play in midfield, rather than as a false nine.

Now, Martinez may be hoping to prove a point to a side he’s been consistently linked to over the years.

Perhaps some Arsenal supporters will regret Edu Gaspar’s choice to go for Rice instead if that were the case, given it still feels as if Arteta’s side is lacking a goalscorer at times.

Arsenal will also be worried about facing Marcus Thuram in Champions League

Of course, in their drawn-out search for a new striker, Arsenal also considered a Marcus Thuram swap deal this summer.

Gabriel Jesus is thought to be available at the right price at the Emirates Stadium, and Arsenal reportedly considered offering the Brazilian in a swap deal.

Thuram appeared on Edu’s five-man striker shortlist for 2025, one that is now particularly interesting given he’s no longer with the club.

It remains to be seen if Arsenal push for a striker in the summer, a situation that will perhaps depend on Jesus’ future.

And Arsenal also need to replace Edu or delegate his responsibilities before they can seriously invest funds and plan for the future.