Key Mikel Arteta ally set to leave Arsenal in major blow days after Newcastle defeat

Arsenal have announced the shock departure of a senior figure at the club just days after their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle.

The Gunners failed to have a single shot on target after Alexander Isak's first half header put the Magpies in front at St James' Park.

It was an uncharacteristic performance for Mikel Arteta's side in that sense, and they are now already seven points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after 10 games.

And the Gunners have now been given a fresh blow, with sporting director and key Arteta ally Edu set to leave the club in a surprise move.

The reason behind his departure is said to be unclear at this stage, although the Daily Mail report that it is the Brazilian's own decision to leave the club following talks with the senior hierarchy.

An official announcement is said to be planned in the next 24 hours.

Edu re-joined Arsenal in 2019, having been part of their Invincibles squad as a player, and is seen as a key factor behind the comprehensive changes brought in at the Emirates Stadium.

Perhaps more significantly, he has a strong relationship with Arteta, having played a role in his appointment as manager in December 2019.

Speaking of his working relationship with Edu in 2022, Arteta commented: "I hope that he stays here for a long time, because I think it's going to be a really positive thing for the club.

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"I've worked with him really well, and I think he's a super important figure at the club that represents all of the values and ideas that we want to take the right way, and hopefully that will be the case.

"There is a lot happening at a football club and he has a huge role. He has a really good way of communicating with people and managing a lot of things that happen daily, so for me and for the team he's really important."