Edu: I will leave Arsenal

Arsenal's Edu has finally confirmed that his future lies away from Highbury.

Arsenal's Edu has finally confirmed that his future lies away from Highbury, with the midfielder almost certain to complete a move to Spain before the end of January.

The Brazilian star arrived at Arsenal for £6 million, but looks set to depart for significantly less after refusing to sign a new contract.

With Edu finishing his current deal in the summer, The Gunners will accede to a deal in this transfer window - with Valencia, Barcelona and Real Madrid the clubs vying for his signature.

"I just think I have better proposals from other clubs, so now I'm sure I want to leave," Edu told the Daily Mail.

"I would like to go as soon as possible. It's good for me to go now and good for Arsenal because Arsene has said that he is not going to play me if I don't sign.

"I'd like to go to Spain, but you never know. I have other situations to look at too.

"We're talking about the biggest clubs in Spain, but there are only a fewndays left before the end of January, so I have to keep a cool head and decide well."

Edu outlined his decision to go to Spain rather than return to Brazil on his personal website, and insisted that only his impending sale kept him out of Arsenal's squad for this weekend's win over Newcastle.

"I like the way that the game is played in Spain and I think the quality of the championship is better than Brazil," said Edu.

"You can see some very skilful players and Brazilians seem to settle well in the league.

"I am 100 percent recovered from my injury, but Arsene [Wenger] left me out because I would not sign my deal.

"I didn't like that very much, but I should respect it."