Arsenal sporting director Edu has resigned from his position and agreed a deal in principle to take up a role with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis. This unexpected development has sent shockwaves through the Gunners’ hierarchy and fan base, as Edu was a significant figure in the club’s recent strategy and success.
Precise details of the role are to be confirmed, and a formal deal is still to be finalized; however, Arsenal confirmed the news—understood to be entirely Edu’s decision—on Monday evening. In an official statement, the club expressed gratitude for Edu’s contributions, stating: “Edu has resigned from his position as our sporting director. Edu, our former player and Invincible, re-joined us in the role of technical director in July 2019. He progressed through the club and was promoted to sporting director in November 2022, where he oversaw men’s, women’s, and academy football.”
The club conveyed their disappointment upon hearing of Edu’s departure but clarified that reports of a power struggle within the organization are unfounded. Instead, Edu’s move appears to stem from his desire for a new challenge after years spent in similar roles both at the club and international levels. Prior to his time at Arsenal, Edu made notable strides in his career while working with Corinthians and the Brazilian national team.
Under Marinakis, Edu will be stepping into a unique position, as the Greek owner has built a network of clubs that includes Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos, and Rio Ave, with the possibility of acquiring a fourth club in Europe in the future. This multi-club ownership model is not commonplace in football, making Edu’s role particularly intriguing and potentially influential within this structure.
Sky Sports News reports that Edu’s decision took Arsenal by surprise. Having recently returned from personal matters in Brazil late last week, the 46-year-old had maintained a close relationship with Arsenal’s head coach, Mikel Arteta. Together, they have transformed Arsenal into a team that is once again competing for titles. Just last month, following Arteta’s contract extension, Edu had articulated their ambitions for the long-term future, making his departure all the more unexpected.
Edu joined Arsenal initially as technical director in July 2019, and in November 2022, he became the club’s first-ever sporting director. His tenure saw him play a pivotal role in reshaping the squad, overseeing key signings such as Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, while facilitating the departures of high-profile players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil.
Since Edu’s arrival, Arsenal has invested approximately £867 million in player transfer fees, placing them third in spending behind Chelsea and Manchester United during this time frame. His leadership contributed to the club’s success, including lifting the FA Cup and finishing as runners-up in the last two Premier League seasons, marking a period of resurgence for the renowned London club.
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