'Massive surprise': Ian Wright admits he's finding news coming out of Arsenal this week very 'strange'

Arsenal are certainly going through a turbulent period right now – Mikel Arteta’s side have only won once in their last four games, and that was against Preston North End.

Since the October international break, Arsenal have struggled for creativity as well as fight in some of their performances, something that did improve against Inter Milan.

Although they lost 1-0 in Italy, Arteta’s side showed a real response in the second half, and Arsenal were simply undone by a controversial penalty.

And with the return of their captain Martin Odegaard in the closing stages of the game, there’s still reason to be optimistic for Arsenal fans.

That being said, Edu Gaspar’s sudden Arsenal departure this week has also provided supporters with a bit of unease off of the pitch – the Brazilian was a key cog in this project.

Speaking on the ‘Stick to Football’ podcast, Arsenal legend Ian Wright admitted that he was shocked by the decision, calling Edu’s decision very ‘strange’.

Edu, Eduardo Cesar Daud Gaspar sporting director of Arsenal watches on from the stands uring the UEFA Women's Champions League match between Arsena...

Wright thought the timing of Edu’s departure was perplexing, given Arsenal seem right on the cusp of winning the trophies their football has deserved.

He said: “Edu leaving was a massive surprise. A bolt from the blue, in respects of where Arsenal are trying to get to and what he’s done with Mikel to get them there.

“He’s gone to a multi owned club, which is something Arsenal can’t offer him. I just find it strange that when we are getting closer to catching them to leave now, but maybe it was one of those ultimatums.

“What I’m hoping now is that we can get to the next person who can sort out our front line and sort out the forwards.”

Arsenal desperately need a Nico Williams type signing

With a focus on Arsenal’s attack, it now seems like Edu and Arteta made a mistake failing to sign a high-calibre addition to their front line in the summer.

On deadline day it seemed as if Arsenal had secured something of a coup recruiting Raheem Sterling on a cut-price loan deal from Chelsea.

However, Arteta ignored the former Manchester City winger against both Newcastle United and Inter Milan when Arsenal needed a goal – he didn’t play a minute.

And when you consider just how frustrating the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have been at times of late, it doesn’t bode well.

Ethan Nwaneri looks well-equipped to make a difference, but Arteta is clearly still very reluctant to put too much on his plate, too soon.