Arsenal sporting director Edu is set to leave the club.
Having been with Arsenal for more than five years, Edu, 46, is intent on pursuing a new career opportunity with a role working with the group of teams controlled by Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis one possibility.
The Greek businessman also owns Olympiacos and Portuguese side Rio Ave.
Forest declined to comment but have previously issued strong denials of any link to Edu.
The Brazilian, a member of the 2003-04 ‘Invincibles’ team as a player, was appointed as Arsenal’s first-ever technical director in the summer of 2019. That December, he hired fellow former Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta as head coach, with the Spaniard later changing his role to manager in September 2020.
Edu’s role also changed two years later, with the Brazilian becoming Arsenal’s first-ever sporting director in November 2022.
Arteta’s appointment led to Arsenal winning the FA Cup in 2020, as well as coming within a point of winning the Premier League title in the 2023-24 campaign. In September, Arteta was given a new three-year contract by Arsenal with Edu saying the news was “a very positive and proud moment for everyone at the club and an important part of what we’re all working towards”.
Following Edu’s arrival, Arsenal shifted high earners Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mesut Ozil, Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe off the books, signing younger players such as Martin Odegaard, William Saliba and Ben White.
Last November, Edu was named Best European Director for 2023 at the Golden Boy awards, hosted by Italian outlet Tuttosport.
Edu, who also played for Corinthians and Valencia, scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in 127 appearances for Arsenal during his three and a half seasons at the club in the 2000s.
After retiring in 2011, he spent five years as Corinthians’ director of football back in his native Brazil, in addition to a two-month stint as the Iran national teams’ advisor in 2014.
Edu then spent three years as the coordinator of the Brazil national team before returning to Arsenal as technical director.
‘Edu’s departure would leave a significant gap at Arsenal’
Analysis by Arsenal correspondent James McNicholas
Edu has played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s turnaround. He has rebuilt the recruitment department, playing a critical role in both talent identification and negotiations.
During his time at Arsenal, there has been huge turnover in personnel. The acquisition of players like Gabriel and Odegaard for reasonable fees has improved the age profile, value and ability within the Arsenal squad.
Edu’s work was recognised with his promotion to sporting director in November 2022, which ostensibly granted him oversight of the academy and women’s team.
He also has a good relationship with Arteta. Edu’s departure would leave a significant gap at Arsenal — but it would be hoped the work he has done rebuilding the recruitment department would leave a legacy, and therefore some continuity.
(Top photo: Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)
