Edu leaves role at Arsenal to join Premier League rivals

He was an ally for Arteta

The Brazilian used to play for Arsenal back in 2001-05 and rejoined as technical director in 2019, stepping up to sporting director in November 2022.

The 46-year-old was an integral part of the club’s resurgence in recent seasons and was credited with securing big signings such as Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard as well as the previously unknown Gabriel Martinelli.

According to The Daily Mail, talks had been held between Edu and the Arsenal hierarchy but the Brazilian has decided to depart.

Edu has left the London side to pursue a new role with the group of teams controlled by Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.

The Greek businessman also owns Olympiacos and Portuguese side Rio Ave.

Edu has been ally for Mikel Arteta and was pictured alongside the Gunners boss in September as the manager signed a new contract with the club and spoke about the long-term future.

He said at the time: “We are really happy that Mikel has signed a new long-term contract.

“It’s a very positive and proud moment for everyone at the club and an important part of what we’re all working towards.

“Mikel has shown his qualities since the very first day he joined us, not only as a football manager, but as a person with wonderful values.

“It’s a very positive and proud moment for everyone at the club and an important part of what we’re all working towards.

“Mikel has shown his qualities since the very first day he joined us, not only as a football manager, but as a person with wonderful values.”

He is widely thought of as being one of the best sporting directors in the world and was appointed because he ‘gets the club and what is needed’.

Edu who was a part of Arsene Wenger’s Invincibles when he was a player also spent time playing for Corinthians and Valencia.

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.

He then spent three years as the coordinator of the Brazil national team before returning to Arsenal.