Mikel Arteta has insisted Edu’s departure as sporting director will not stop Arsenal’s upward trajectory but admitted that losing one of his key allies came as a surprise. The Brazilian’s resignation was confirmed on Monday, with Edu expected to join the multi-club network of Nottingham Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis. Arsenal are understood to have failed with an attempt to persuade Edu to stay at the Emirates having offered to match the improved salary that is believed to be on offer from Marinakis.

At present, there is no successor lined up for a role that did not exist at Arsenal before the former midfielder assumed the position in November 2022. Arteta, whose side face Inter in the Champions League on Wednesday night, admitted that he was disappointed to lose Edu but is confident Arsenal can replace him.

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