Arsenal sporting director Edu is reportedly set to leave the north London club.
The Brazilian has been Mikel Arteta’s right-hand man since the manager’s appointment in 2019. He became Arsenal’s technical director months before Arteta arrived and transitioned to sporting director three years later.
Edu has played a key role in Arsenal’s successful recruitment strategy under Arteta. David Raya, Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard have all been smash hits since signing for the Gunners, who also pipped Manchester City to Declan Rice’s signature last year.
According to The Daily Mail, Edu has taken the decision himself to leave the Emirates Stadium. Changes to responsibility areas among senior figures at the club may have played their part in his departure, though the specifics are currently unclear and more light is expected to be shed on the situation over the next 24 hours.
Arteta is certain to be asked about Edu’s departure during his press conference on Tuesday, the day before Arsenal play AC Milan at the San Siro in a mouth-watering Champions League showdown.
Edu has been a towering figure during Arteta’s time at the club, and he is widely considered one of the best sporting directors in world football.
The 46-year-old spent five seasons at Arsenal as a player, starring alongside the likes of Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira during the ‘Invincibles’ season.
Arsenal legend Martin Keown, who shared a dressing room with Edu, talked up his appointment to technical director in 2019. “He understands this role and he understands the expectancy at Arsenal,” explained the former centre-back.
“He cannot really affect it on the training ground. but he will be able to address things with the processes at the club. He is a great guy who was also greatly underestimated, to be honest. It was a big loss when he left the football club because there was an element of class to him. I am pleased that the club has recognised that.”
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