Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Telegraph Sport understands that Edu has been targeted as potential chief executive for Marinakis overseeing operations at his three clubs
Mikel Arteta will have a major say on how Arsenal replace Edu after it emerged the club’s sporting director is leaving his position to potentially work for Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Edu is understood to have taken the decision to stand down, with sources believing he has already been lined up to work for Marinakis, who owns Forest, Olympiacos and Portuguese club Rio Ave.
Telegraph Sport understands that Edu has been targeted as a potential chief executive of the Marinakis group, overseeing operations at his three clubs, having turned down a similar offer in the summer.
Marinakis is also said to be considering the takeover of a fourth club, with Monza in Italy a possible target, which could also fall under the umbrella of Edu.
While Edu’s departure from Arsenal and the reasons behind it have not yet been formally confirmed, it is already clear that manager Arteta will play a major role in the club’s next step.
All major decisions at Arsenal are taken by the football leadership team of Arteta, managing director Richard Garlick and executive Tim Lewis.
There is recognition that Arteta, who signed a new contract until 2027 in September, must be given a big say over how Arsenal replace Edu given how closely he worked with the Brazilian.
Arteta is losing a key ally in Edu and will want to be confident he can work equally well with his eventual successor which will be vital to Arsenal’s ongoing success.
Garlick and Lewis are expected to take recommendations and advice from Arteta before the three men decide exactly how Edu will be replaced.
One source said: “Mikel will have to have a major say on anyone who comes in or how Arsenal replace Edu. Where he’s at in his career and his status at the club, it’s unthinkable that he wouldn’t.”
With Arsenal in Champions League action this week, Arteta will be asked about the departure of Edu and the direction he expects Arsenal to go without him.
Edu helped Arsenal secure key signings for Arteta such as Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, while also playing a big role in a clearout of former players who were no longer wanted by the manager.
The club’s record signing by far and, on top of his footballing quality, consistently demonstrates a leadership influence both on and off the pitch that is impossible to quantify.Verdict: Hit
Arrived soon after Edu became sporting director at a moment when Arsenal were ready to spend big but 27 goals across more than 100 games did not justify the price tag.Verdict: Miss
A surprising signing given the willingness of a direct rival in Chelsea to sell; his versatility has been valuable but lacks the goalscoring record to take Arsenal to the next level.Verdict: Jury out
A fabulously versatile defender who has added steel and spirit to the Arsenal back line over the past four years.Verdict: Hit
His midfield presence has been crucial to Arsenal’s improvement over the past four years and will soon hold talks about extending his contract beyond this season.Verdict: Hit
The most obvious difference between Arsenal and Manchester City or Liverpool is a striker who can consistently score 25+ goals in a season and, for all the hope, Jesus has not been that man.Verdict: Miss
Scored spectacularly against City in the 2-2 draw earlier this season and a summer arrival of vast long-term potential.Verdict: Jury out
Suffered a serious knee injury almost as soon as he arrived that ruined last season but is now finally beginning to establish himself.Verdict: Jury out
A player of rare guile and technical ability whose class has been central to Arsenal’s re-emergence as a regular title contender.Verdict: Hit
Played a significant role in Arsenal’s title push in 2022-23 but has become peripheral as the squad has strengthened and now back on loan at Porto.Verdict: Miss
English