Edu ‘set for new job with rival Premier League club’ following the Brazilian’s decision to leave his role as sporting director at Arsenal

Edu will reportedly remain in the Premier League despite his decision to step down as sporting director at Arsenal.

Former Gunners midfielder Edu returned to the north London team in July 2019 when he was hired as the club’s first technical director. He was later promoted to sporting director.

Edu is widely credited with his excellent work and playing a crucial role in Arsenal’s rebuild under manager Mikel Arteta.

However, as revealed by Mail Sport on Monday morning, the 46-year-old Brazilian has decided to move on after talks with the club’s hierarchy.

It has now been reported by The independent that Edu is now ready to join Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis and his network of clubs.

Edu has been working closely with manager Mikel Arteta (left) at the Emirates Stadium since 2019

But Edu is now reportedly taking a new job with Evangelos Marinakis (pictured)

Edu is said to have had positive discussions with the Marinakis group, which also includes Greek club Olympiacos and Portuguese side Rio Ave, as well as Forest.

Forest moved ahead of Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday when they beat West Ham 3-0, shortly after Arteta’s men lost 1-0 at Newcastle.

Arsenal are currently fifth in the table with 18 points, while Forest are third with 19.

Edu won six trophies with Arsenal during his playing career, including two Premier League titles – in 2002 and 2004.

Since returning to the club as director, Edu has witnessed one FA Cup victory, while Arsenal have also won the Community Shield twice.

The Gunners have finished second in the Premier League in each of the last two seasons, having finished eighth, eighth and fifth in the three previous seasons.

Marinakis owns several football clubs, including Premier League side Nottingham Forest

Forest are above Arsenal in the Premier League after an impressive start to the season

Ben White, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber (left to right) – all signed by Edu and Arteta – pictured after Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat away to Newcastle on Saturday

Edu has previously expressed his pride at how the culture at Arsenal has improved since returning to the club.

He once said in an interview that he was proud to have supported Arteta in ‘changing the way people see our club and the vision people have of Arsenal compared to the past.’

Edu added during the interview: ‘I want to win in the best possible way. 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.’