Arsenal taken by surprise as Edu to quit with Brazilian eyed by Premier League rival
Edu is set to leave his role as Arsenal's sporting director in a major blow to manager Mikel Arteta, with the Brazilian already lining up a move to a different Premier League club
by Jacob Leeks · The MirrorArsenal were taken totally by surprise by Edu's decision to leave the club.
The Brazilian has been a key ally of manager Mikel Arteta since the latter's appointment in December 2019. Together they have turned the Gunners into Premier League title challengers, as well as winning the FA Cup.
He was promoted to the role of sporting director in November 2022, having originally been brought to the club as technical director. But Edu has now opted to depart Arsenal having held talks with club bosses.
It is a decision that caught many fans and pundits by surprise, given Arteta's close relationship with the Brazilian. And those on the inside were also left shocked by the move to leave after five years.
According to Sky Sports News, Edu had been away in Brazil on personal matters and arrived back late last week. After informing club chiefs of his decision to leave, they are said to have been taken by surprise.
It is understood he is being lined up for a role within Evangelos Marinakis' stable of clubs. They currently include Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos and Rio Ave, with the group on the search for a fourth European club.
It is not yet known whether Edu is taking up that job or even if that is why he has made his decision. According to the Independent, Edu has been in talks with Marinakis and is expected to lead their group-wide recruitment.
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The fact that Gunners chiefs were taken by surprise suggests they will be disappointed to have lost him. He had been seen as one of the top sporting directors in the game, having masterminded moves for Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.
Edu has given no sign that he had been considering his position at the Emirates. In fact he appeared to be gearing up for a fresh long-term strategy when Arteta was handed a new contract in the summer.
“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," Edu said at the time.
“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.
“We have a strong belief in what we are doing and what we want to achieve together. Mikel’s new contract gives us stability and clear direction as we aim for new heights.”
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