Arsenal sporting director Edu is LEAVING the club – in a major blow to Mikel Arteta as he loses key ally who masterminded their transformation and signed Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice

Mikel Arteta is set to lose a key ally at Arsenal, while highly regarded sporting director Edu is set to leave the club.

The Brazilian, a former Arsenal midfielder, has been responsible for bringing in key players such as Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice and leading Arsenal’s strong performance in recruitment and supplying key players to the club.

He is widely regarded as one of the leading sporting directors in world football, having masterminded the turnaround in Arsenal’s signing spree and backed the sacking of troubled stars such as Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, who were seen as part of a failed past.

Discussions are ongoing with the club’s hierarchy and although the reasons are currently unclear, it is his decision to leave. More details are expected to emerge in the next 24 hours.

It is thought there has been a realignment of responsibilities within the Arsenal hierarchy in key positions, but it is ‘too simplistic’ to suggest there has been a power struggle, a source told Mail Sport.

The Spaniard has been a close ally of fellow countryman Mikel Arteta as they have led a cultural shift at the club in recent years

Regularly photographed by the club photographer alongside new signings and quoted in official club communications, Edu has been the driving force behind a culture change at the club since taking on the role in 2019.

He was appointed because he ‘gets the club and what it takes.’

A former teammate said, “There’s a lesson about that man.”

Then-football director Raul Sanileh said: ‘We are very happy that Edu is joining the team. He has a lot of experience and technical football knowledge and is above all a real Arsenal man. He understands the club and what we stand for to our millions of fans around the world.”

Edu, 46, has said in an interview that he is proud to have supported Arteta in ‘changing the way people see our club and the vision people have of Arsenal compared to the past.’

A cultured Brazilian midfielder, he was signed by Arsène Wenger and played for the Invincibles with teammates such as Dennis Bergkamp, ​​Patrick Vieira and Martin Keown.

“I want to win in the best way possible,” he added. “If we win the trophy it will be because we did it the right way. Just ask any Arsenal fan what he thinks about that.’ He was speaking after Arsenal lost in the title race to Manchester City.

His departure will be felt by Arsenal fans, who will eagerly await an announcement from the club on the reasons behind the decision.

Arsenal play in Milan on Wednesday with Arteta, who will speak on Tuesday when asked about Edu’s departure and what it means for him personally.

Edu was instrumental in bringing top talent to the Emirates, including Declan Rice in 2023

Little is known about why the director will resign from his position; More details are expected to emerge in the next 24 hours.

Keown, a columnist for Mail Sport, said this about Edu’s appointment which ultimately led to an elevation to the role of sporting director

“I think it’s very interesting because he understands this role and understands the expectations at Arsenal,” Keown said in 2019.

‘He can’t really influence it on the training field. but he will be able to address issues with the processes at the club.

‘He’s a great guy who, to be honest, was also hugely underestimated. It was a big loss when he left the football club because there was an element of class in him. I am pleased that the club has recognized that ‘