Edu ‘considering joining Arsenal’s Premier League rivals’ as Gunners chief’s next move is revealed
EDU is considering linking up with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis as he is set to leave Arsenal.
The highly-rated sporting director has helped transform the Gunners into title contenders but his time at the Emirates is coming to an end.
The Brazilian has been in talks with the North Londoners’ hierarchy after a reshuffle of key positions and although his reasons remain unclear, he has decided to walk away from his backroom role.
According to The Times, Edu is now considering taking up a more wide-ranging role coordinating the network of clubs controlled by Marinakis.
That could see the club chief running the likes of Forest in the Premier League, last season’s Europa Conference League champions Olympiacos and Rio Ave in Portugal.
Therefore, the 46-year-old would be taking a similar role as Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp at Red Bull where he now works as Global Head of Soccer.
Earlier reports suggested that Marinakis wanted to sign Edu a few months ago.
And now fresh reports suggest the Greek businessman could revive his interest.
According to The Independent, Edu wanted to become CEO at Arsenal, a position Marinakis’ group is willing to meet.
The former midfielder returned to the Emirates in 2019 – initially as technical director – and helped manager Mikel Arteta restructure the squad.
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Stars like captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil were shown the door while new fan favourites, including Martin Odegaard, William Saliba and Declan Rice, emerged during his tenure.
Edu’s work proved to be critical as he helped Arsenal finish the last two seasons as runners-up to Manchester City in the Premier League title race.
His exit poses as a major blow to Arteta as he will be losing a very close ally.