Edu’s strained relationship with agent saw Arsenal lose promising youngster | OneFootball

There were minor disagreements involving Edu and people at Arsenal, with the club split over whether to sign Mikel Merino during the last summer transfer window, according to ESPN.

There was also frustration at the loss of Chido Obi-Martin, with the teenage sensation leaving despite all attempts to keep him as Edu’s relationship with his agent had become strained.

However, such issues were bound to inevitably crop up in the role of a sporting director at Arsenal, and the Brazilian left the club on good terms with everyone.

It is unknown whether Edu was against signing Merino or if others at the club disagreed with him over a move for the Spain international.

However, manager Mikel Arteta was particularly keen on adding the midfielder to his squad.

The 28-year-old started his Arsenal career injured but is slowly establishing himself as a key player.

It is too early to determine whether Merino will be a hit or a miss for the Gunners, but he has the potential to become one of their best players.

Losing Obi-Martin would have hurt any club, especially after he bagged 32 goals in 20 under-18 Premier League games last term.

The 16-year-old also notched ten goals for Arsenal under-16s in a 14-3 win over their Liverpool counterparts a year ago, but dealing with academy players and their agents has always proven tricky.

He joined Manchester United and has been tipped to break into the first team soon, but Edu cannot be blamed for his departure, given that he would not have wanted to lose him.

Talks between the former Gunners sporting director and Obi-Martin’s agent did not go well, and both parties decided to go their separate ways.

The impact Edu had on their recent progress cannot be undermined, and they will be desperate to land a successor capable of building on the foundations he laid.