Edu Quits Arsenal to Join Forest Owner’s Network of Clubs

Arsenal sporting director Edu has chosen to leave the club and is expected to take up a role working with clubs owned by Greek businessperson Evangelos Marinakis. The former Arsenal midfielder’s departure comes as a shock, as the Brazilian has been a significant part of the Gunners’ hierarchy since returning to the club five years ago.

Initially hired as technical director in July 2019, Edu was promoted to sporting director in November 2022, overseeing player transfers, among other things.

Blow for Arteta

The 46-year-old was instrumental in Mikel Arteta’s appointment as manager in late 2019, with the two maintaining a close working relationship throughout.

The Brazilian’s exit comes at a tough time for Arteta. The Spaniard is overseeing a three-game winless run in the Premier League, which culminated in Saturday’s 1-0 loss at Newcastle.

With Arsenal’s title challenge stuttering, losing a key ally within the club is a huge blow that will only exacerbate the Spaniard’s ongoing struggles.

Edu has overseen the arrival of key players during his tenure, including captain Martin Odegaard, Ben White, Gabriel, Thomas Partey, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice; other arrivals were less successful, with the likes of Willian, Nicolas Pepe and Fabio Vieira struggling during their time at the club.

His tenure as sporting director has mostly been viewed as a success. The North London club finished close runners-up to Premier League champions Manchester City in the past two seasons after six years outside of the Champions League.

Frustrations have arisen recently, with players such as Emile Smith Rowe allowed to depart without being replaced, another window passing without a striker being signed, and the deadline-day loan signing of Raheem Sterling, which suggested a lack of strategy—but there are no suggestions any of them is responsible for his imminent departure.

Edu set to “treble his salary”

Edu, a two-time Premier League winner and a member of Arsenal’s “invincibles” team during his playing days, is reportedly set for a significant pay rise when he takes up his new position as head of Marinakis’ network of clubs, with suggestions he will “treble his salary“.

Marinakis is famous for owning Nottingham Forest, who have enjoyed a remarkable rise this season and are currently sitting third in the Premier League. He also owns Greek club Olympiacos and Portuguese side Rio Ave.

The former Brazil international is likely to oversee transfer activity and staff appointments at those three clubs, and an expansion similar to Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour’s “City Football Group” could be in the pipeline.

In an official statement posted on Arsenal’s website, Edu stated: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make.

“Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.

“I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend.

“Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”