Edu 'to treble wages' with Premier League rival after Arsenal denied him dream job
Edu is set to make a surprise exit from Arsenal and link up with Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest after five years helping to transform the Gunners into title contenders
by Jacob Leeks · The MirrorEdu is reportedly set to treble his wages when he joins Evangelos Marinakis' group of clubs.
The Brazilian is poised to leave his role as Arsenal's sporting director, in a move that caught Gunners chiefs completely by surprise. He has earned a reputation for being one of the top executives in the game having played a key role in the club's transformation into Premier League title contenders.
He was first appointed technical director in the summer of 2019, before being promoted to the role of sporting director in November 2022. Edu has masterminded a series of successful transfer windows for Arsenal, including the signings of Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.
But after five years at the Emirates Stadium, Edu is now set to move on and take up a role working across Marinakis' group of teams. That includes Premier League side Nottingham Forest, who are currently above the Gunners in the table.
According to the Independent, Marinakis has offered Edu a contract that would see the Brazilian more than treble his current wages. It is said that the sporting director had harboured ambitions to become Arsenal's chief executive.
Vinai Venkatesham left that post in the summer, with Richard Garlick being promoted to replace him as managing director. Garlick had been working as director of football operations before he was made Venkatesham's de-facto replacement within Arsenal's management structure.
Before joining Arsenal in 2021, Garlick worked for the Premier League and West Brom, following a successful career in sports law. It now appears that the Gunners snubbed Edu to appoint Garlick to his new role, with Marinakis ready to make the Brazilian CEO of his group of clubs.
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A reshuffle is now expected to take place among the Gunners' executive team following what is a serious blow to Arteta. When announcing Garlick's promotion to managing director, co-chair Josh Kroenke hailed the Englishman for his work.
“Richard is recognised and respected across the industry for his vast experience, and we were delighted when he joined us back in 2021 to take our football strategy to the next level," Kroenke said at the time.
“He has made an enormous impact since joining us, working closely with our Sporting Director, Edu, on the development and implementation of the club’s football strategy. He has developed strong relationships right across the club and wider industry.
“Rich has been key to the progress we’ve made as a club – including recent transfers – and I’m thrilled he will now lead our Executive Team and continue to drive the club forward with passion.”
Arsenal have endured a tough start to the season and sit a point behind Forest, a club Edu is now set to help oversee. Saturday's defeat to Newcastle has left them seven points adrift of leaders Liverpool.
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