Arsenal's sporting director, Edu, is set to depart the club and is likely to join the network of clubs led by Evangelos Marinakis, the owner of Nottingham Forest. Edu's unexpected exit will conclude his five-year tenure in Arsenal's senior management, leaving Mikel Arteta without one of his key supporters. The duo share a robust relationship, and Arsenal will need to adjust when the Brazilian moves on. The exact timing of his departure remains uncertain.
Since Edu's return to Arsenal as technical director in July 2019, the club has emerged as title contenders. He played a significant role in Arteta's appointment five months later and increased his influence after Raul Sanllehi, the head of football, left in August 2020. Despite initial setbacks, Edu has been pivotal in implementing a dynamic and effective transfer strategy that brought in talents like Martin Ødegaard, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhães, Gabriel Jesus, and Declan Rice, reshaping Arsenal's squad.
Recent transfer windows have seen frustrations, particularly regarding the lack of solid backups for Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka, and ongoing concerns about the center-forward position. However, there is no evidence that these issues are linked to Edu's impending exit. His connections within Arsenal's hierarchy extend beyond his friendship with Arteta. Arsenal currently stands fifth in the Premier League, having struggled with injuries and inconsistent form this season.
Edu is now being considered for a senior role within Marinakis' group, possibly involving recruitment oversight. Marinakis currently controls Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos, and Rio Ave. Before rejoining Arsenal, Edu served as director of football at Corinthians and as team coordinator for Brazil's national team. Initially, his lack of European football administration experience was a concern, but he is now ready for a new challenge under the ambitious and sometimes controversial Marinakis, whose Forest team has been a surprise success this season, currently sitting third in the top flight.
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