Ranieri resigned to waiting for Edu
Claudio Ranieri believes Arsenal are holding out for a big fee for Edu and concedes he might not be able to sign the midfielder for Valencia this season.
Valencia wanted to sign the Brazilian, who has refused to sign a new contract with Arsenal, in the January transfer window.
Former Chelsea boss Ranieri said: “I am 99% sure Edu is not coming now, because his club want a lot of money and we are not willing to pay it.”
Valencia have reportedly signed Edu on a contract from June, but Ranieri wanted him now to help the battle to retain the Primera Liga title.
Highbury boss Arsene Wenger is thought to want a fee of more than £1million.
Ranieri added: “He will be a free agent when the season is over and we will try to bring him here then.
“Edu is a champion, but I already have a good squad.”
Earlier this week Edu had urged Arsenal to allow the move to happen now.
“It is very difficult because Arsenal are asking for a lot of money,” he said.
“It would be in Arsenal’s interest to allow me to go now because, if not, they are not going to gain anything in June.”
