Edu admission suggests he was at odds with Mikel Arteta over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

It's an extremely bitter end to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's career at Arsenal.

Barcelona has confirmed that the striker has signed a deal until 2025 with a release clause of €100million.

Aubameyang's contract also contains a clause that allows both parties the "option to agree departure" in June 2023.

The writing was on the wall for the Gabon international at the Emirates after his public fallout with Mikel Arteta that led to the removal of his captaincy.

It wasn't Aubameyang's first disciplinary issue but many believed there was a way back for him given his four years of service to the club, coupled with Arsenal's lack of depth up front with Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette the only two recognised no.9s.

But Arteta stuck to his guns and wanted his players to know there are consequences for their actions if they don't adhere to his "non-negotiable" standards".

The Arsenal board backed their manager's decision as they go all-in on the Spaniard's project, but the situation will have left a bitter taste in some people's mouths.

Edu is likely to be one of them after the sporting director significantly invested in his star man after making him the club's highest earner with his contract extension in September 2020.

The Arsenal chief said at the time: "It's clear Auba loves the club and everything we stand for on and off the pitch.

"He's obviously a very important part of the team so we're all delighted he has committed his future to us. It's a big boost for everyone – fans, teammates and staff."

Offering Aubameyang £350,000-a-week is a clear indication he was important to the club, but the fact Edu's admission that he was everything Arsenal stood for "on and off the pitch" shows that he wasn't willing to throw