Edu plea over Ljungberg

There has been speculation that Ljungberg could be sold

Arsenal midfielder Edu has urged the club not to sell Fredrik Ljungberg.

Ljungberg has been linked with a move to Real Madrid after struggling to recapture his best form last season as he made a comeback from a hip injury.

"I know there has been some stuff said about Freddie and that is really sad. We all need him here and we all want him to stay," said Edu.

"He played a big part in what we achieved this year and, like all of us, he can play a big part in the future."

Ljungberg scored 10 goals for the Gunners in all competitions last season, and was a regular in the side that went unbeaten through the Premiership-winning campaign.

"I think I speak for all the players when I say that no-one wants this team to be broken up," added Edu.

"Of course, that decision is really out of my hands. But we all have formed a close bond and it's not nice when someone has to break away from that bond."