There were minor disagreements involving Edu and some 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 of a club like Arsenal, and the Brazilian left the North London club on good terms with everyone.

It is unknown whether Edu was against signing Merino or if some at the club disagreed with him over a move for the Spain international, but manager Mikel Arteta was particularly keen on adding the experience of the midfielder to his squad.

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

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 going forward.

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 10 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 the Brazilian 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 at the end of the day.

Arsenal lost a gem but the impact Edu had on their recent progress cannot be undermined, and they will be desperate to land a successor capable of replicating his achievements and doing better.