Edu’s exit a surprise but will not affect Arsenal’s progress, insists Mikel Arteta

Manager admits Edu’s departure ‘happened very quickly’.

'VERY QUICK': Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (right) and former technical director Edu.

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.