Yahoo Sport 
Brutal Edu action taken as Arsenal stance emerges ahead of Nottingham Forest link-up
Edu’s influence at Arsenal is said to have come to an abrupt end ahead of his anticipated link-up with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.
On Monday, the Gunners confirmed Edu had decided to step down from his post of sporting director. It is expected he will take on a job overseeing the three clubs owned by Marinakis - the Reds, Olympiacos and Rio Ave.
An official announcement has not yet been made about Edu’s next move, with the Brazilian having said he is simply ready for a “different challenge”. But according to our sister title FootballLondon, he is already out of Arsenal WhatsApp groups focused around topics such as transfers and player fitness.
It is said he will serve a six-month period of gardening leave, where he will not be involved in any day-to-day running of the club and will not attend games or visit the training ground. What that means for a potential start date for working with Marinakis is unclear, but it might be that patience - or a significant compensation fee - is required.
A former Arsenal player, Edu returned to the club in a behind-the-scenes capacity in 2019. His initial title was that of technical director, before it changed to sporting director three years later.
In the Gunners’ statement announcing his departure, the 46-year-old said: “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.
“I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel [Arteta], 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.”
Edu enjoyed a particularly good relationship with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta. Together, they helped transform Arsenal into Premier League title contenders again.
Prior to Wednesday night’s Champions League defeat to Inter Milan, Arteta had said of Edu’s departure: “Everything happened very quickly. Obviously I loved working with him. I really enjoyed being alongside him in this incredible journey.
“From day one, we’ve been together. We both had this special chemistry and I’m very blessed that he’s been part of my life in such a beautiful place, managing this incredible club, and he’s been a massive part of that.
“He’s had an amazing opportunity in a different role and he believes that it’s the right professional move for him. We have to respect that and from the bottom of my heart I think everybody really feels that we want the best for him.”
