Jonas Eidevall calls on Arsenal to nail 'very big transfer window' this summer

Jonas Eidevall believes Arsenal are in for a significant summer transfer window as the last two were 'not good enough'.

The Gunners failed to acquire main targets in recent windows, with none of Alessia Russo, Signe Brunn or Cloe Lacasse joining before the January deadline.

After a tough season in which they have lost six players to long-term injuries - including four ACL injuries which are set to keep those players out well into next season - Eidevall is hoping that this window will prove more fruitful for Arsenal.

"It has to be a very big transfer window for us this summer, especially given that both last summer and this winter transfer window were not good enough for us, and we didn't get our acquired targets in the way we wanted, so we have to get that right this summer," Eidevall said ahead of their final WSL game of the season against Aston Villa.

It was reported yesterday that starting centre half Rafaelle Souza will leave the club after 18 months, with a move to Orlando Pride in the NWSL likely.

Speaking about Rafaelle, Eidevall confirmed the departure and had nothing but praise for the defender.

"We've been obviously very happy with her," the Swede said. "She's been very happy playing with us here as well. For reasons that were beyond our control, she will leave.

"I know of course, she's sad for it. We are sad for it. But I cherish the memories that we have with her. I want to thank her for all the contributions that she made here to the club and I hope she can have a really strong performance tomorrow."

Losing such a fan favourite and solid defender comes as a shock to most, and puts even more pressure on Arsenal to bring in replacement defenders given Leah Williamson's ACL injury.

With departing players the topic of discussion, Eidevall was reluctant to reveal any more about the possibility of losing Jodie Taylor and Anna Patten, who are both out of contract this summer.

"Nothing that we can communicate at the moment with either of the players," the Arsenal boss said, speaking on the status of the duo's contracts.

"I think we have had a really nice change in our organisation with Kevin Murphy coming in to work with both our recruitment but also managing our loans. Both of these are our decision that we need to take after Saturday."

An Arsenal win on the final day would seal third place in the WSL and a Champions League spot next season.

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