Mikel Arteta has stated that Edu's recent departure as sporting director will not hinder Arsenal's progress, despite acknowledging that the news came as a surprise. The Brazilian's resignation was announced on Monday, and he is set to join the multi-club network owned by Nottingham Forest's Evangelos Marinakis. Arsenal reportedly made an effort to convince Edu to remain at the club by offering to match the enhanced salary he is expected to receive from Marinakis, but their attempts were unsuccessful. Arteta emphasized that while losing a key ally is unexpected, it will not derail the team's upward trajectory. In other news, Martin Ødegaard has traveled with the squad for their upcoming match against Inter.