Arsenal linked with £200 million signing to complete Mikel Arteta's squad despite Edu's shock departure

A former scout has "heard whispers" about Arsenal's interest in one of the Premier League's most sought-after strikers, but they would have to spend a significant sum to get their man.

Arsenal's activity in the next transfer window will certainly be a topic of discussion after it was reported that Edu Gaspar, the club's sporting director, will step down from his role.

Edu is set to take on a new role at Nottingham Forest once his exit from Arsenal is confirmed, according to The Athletic, who claim there is an agreement in place that will see the former midfielder take on 'a fresh challenge' under Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Marinakis, meanwhile, is ready to 'triple' Edu's current salary and offer him the chance to become CEO; something he was unable to do at Arsenal.

The news around Edu's impending departure comes just days after the Gunners suffered a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle, who earned all three points thanks to a first-half header from Alexander Isak.

On the subject of Isak, a number of clubs have expressed an interest in the Sweden international, including big-spenders Chelsea, who made an approach in the summer.

Newcastle rebuffed any approach and a price of at least £200 million was mentioned, according to the Northern Echo, with the Magpies 'determined to do all they could' to keep Isak after his 23-goal contribution last season.

Arsenal have also been linked with the in-form striker. In fact, Manchester United's former chief scout Mick Brown has "heard whispers" of a possible move.

“He’d be an asset to any club in Europe,” Brown told Football Insider. “I’ve heard whispers speaking about a potential move to Arsenal and that wouldn’t shock me.

"There are a few of the top clubs who have been keeping an eye on his situation. I think he’s getting a bit fed up at Newcastle and was expecting them to show a bit more ambition in the transfer window and with their results."

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Brown added: “He might feel next summer is a good time for him to move on. That’s the way things are now, particularly if they don’t qualify for Champions League.”