Arsenal bombshell as sporting director Edu decides to leave

Arsenal sporting director Edu has decided to leave the club.

Edu’s departure will be seen as a major blow to Arsenal and, according to widespread reports, will prompt a shake-up behind the scenes at Emirates Stadium.

The Brazilian has been linked with a role with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis and his network of clubs.

A former Arsenal player, Edu rejoined the club in 2019 as technical director six months before Mikel Arteta was appointed as manager.

He was tasked with overseeing every aspect of the first team, including implementing the club’s footballing philosophy, promoting the best academy players and improving transfer business.

Edu was appointed to his current role, the club's first ever sporting director, in 2022.

He has been a hugely important figure in Arsenal's rise under Arteta, who considers the Brazilian a key ally. Together the pair have rebuilt the Gunners squad and turned the team back into title contenders after years of decline.

Edu has previously spoken of how he is proud to have supported Arteta in “changing how people see our club and the vision people have of Arsenal compared to the past.”

The 46-year-old is considered among the best sporting directors in the world, helping bring the likes of captain Martin Odegaard, defensive pair William Saliba and Gabriel and club-record signing Declan Rice to the club, while also shipping out highly paid underwanted players like Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil.

Arteta is next due to speak to the media on Tuesday ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan on Wednesday.