Arsenal fans have theory on the 'real reason' behind Edu's exit as move to Premier League rivals 'confirmed'

Following the departure of sporting director Edu, Arsenal fans have a theory of the real reason behind the key figure's exit.

It was reported on Monday that Edu would be making the step down from his duties at Arsenal following the club's 1-0 loss to Newcastle United.

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

It has since been announced by David Ornstein that Edu is set to take on a brand new role at another Premier League club once his exit from Arsenal is confirmed.

The report states Edu has agreed to join the group controlled by Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, but the role he will take is still unconfirmed.

A source at The Independant claims Marinakis is ready to 'triple' Edu's current salary and offer him the chance to become CEO, something he was unable to do at Arsenal.

Following the shock reports, Arsenal fans have shared some theories on the reason behind Edu's exit and it involves Mikel Arteta.

Over the summer, a report from The Athletic stated the Arsenal hierarchy weren't entirely convinced by the signings of Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino but Arteta pushed for their signatures.

David Ornstein also recently revealed Arteta has gained a lot of power at Arsenal, stating: “As he’s grown in power at the club, it’s not easy to question him internally.”

With this in mind, one X user has suggested that Edu has grown sick of Arteta's antics and theorised the 'power struggle' over the summer was responsible for Arteta's new contract.

They wrote: "He didn’t agree to a new contract until after the window closed. I think he said get the players I want or I'm not signing."

Edu Arteta- Getty

Another fan replied: "Imagine issuing an ultimatum for Calafiori and Merino, please can we get a sporting director who will challenge Arteta."

A report from The Daily Mail could back up these claims, as it revealed Edu's power had been 'diluted' in recent times.

Edu has a great relationship with Evangelos Marinakis, and a move to Forest could be expected shortly after confirmation of his exit from The Emirates.