Mikel Arteta makes big Arsenal transfer decision on Nico Williams alternative despite Edu exit

Arsenal look to be continuing with their pre-existing transfer plans despite the fact Edu will be leaving his role as the club's sporting director. A statement on Monday announced the decision with the Brazilian expected to take up a role as CEO in the multi-club model of Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.

"Everything happened very quickly," Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said when asked about his exit. "Obviously I loved working with him, I really enjoyed being alongside him in this incredible journey. from day one, we've been together.

"First of all I'm very grateful personally for what everything has done for me and for the amazing work that he's done for the football club." Edu has worked extremely closely with Arteta to overhaul the Arsenal squad and create a group capable of challenging for major honours on a regular basis.

One of their aims in the final weeks of the summer window was to acquire a new winger with Nico Williams the priority target. Having impressed in Spain's European championship triumph, many other European clubs were also interested with Barcelona leading the race until he decided to stay at Athletic Bilbao.

As such, Arsenal made a late deadline day swoop for Raheem Sterling of Chelsea, but desires to fill that void in the long-term remain, even with Edu's exit. Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala has been linked as a marquee versatile signing that could be made, however it is his teammate Leroy Sane that could make the switch.

According to Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg, the Gunners are still closely monitoring Sane's uncertain future with his contract expiring in 2025. Manchester United have also been named as an interested club but that could change amid the impending arrival of Ruben Amorim.

READ MORE: Martin Odegaard waits, Ben White returns - Arsenal predicted XI vs Inter Milan

READ MORE: Who is Jason Ayto? Arsenal behind-the-scenes chief set to fill in for Edu after shock resignation

Talks over an extension have taken place but there is no agreement as of yet which will likely place Arteta on red alert at the possibility of a reunion. The duo worked closely at Manchester City before Arteta took up a role at Emirates Stadium in late 2019 with Sane opting for a return to Germany with Bayern roughly six months later.