Arsenal stunned by Edu exit: Bold quote from sporting director just two months ago resurfaces – and shows just how surprising his exit is
A bold quote from outgoing Arsenal sporting director Edu two months ago could indicate the club has been rocked by news of his departure.
Mail Sport exclusively reported on Monday that the Brazilian ace is preparing to leave the Emirates after five years as part of the club’s hierarchy.
The former midfielder previously played as a player under Arsène Wenger, making 217 appearances between 2001 and 2005.
Edu joined the club in 2019 as technical director before being promoted to his current position. He was one of the figureheads of Arsenal’s new regime, playing a crucial role in recruiting players and refining the squad’s performance.
Among the key signings the sporting director has lured to the Emirates are Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, and the 46-year-old has been closely linked to Mikel Arteta.
Edu sounded very committed to the Arsenal project as he shared the news of Mikel Arteta’s recent contract extension
But the Brazilian sporting director is set to leave the Emirates after five years in the boardroom
When the Spaniard signed his latest contract extension in September, Edu welcomed the decision to extend Arteta’s deal as it provided ‘stability’ for the club.
In comments made after details of the extension were made public, an exit from the club seemed furthest from Edu’s mind as he spoke of the importance of the ‘strong belief’ that the Arsenal hierarchy and Arteta shared in their strategy – what he touched. the helm of.
“We are very happy that Mikel has signed a new long-term contract,” he said at the time. “It’s a really positive and proud moment for everyone at the club and an important part of what we’re all working towards.
‘Mikel has shown his qualities from the first day he joined us, not only as a football manager, but also as a person with wonderful values.
‘We have a strong belief in what we do and what we want to achieve together. Mikel’s new contract gives us stability and clear direction as we strive to new heights.”
There are few details on why Edu is set to move on amid Arsenal’s growing success at the top of the Premier League title, but more is expected to be known 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.
Edu has been a key ally to Arteta and strongly aligned with the head coach’s vision for the club
The Spaniard will be looking for solutions to quickly change his side’s Premier League form
Edu’s departure is likely to be strongly felt by the Arsenal fanbase due to his active role in securing high-value transfers.
Ahead of the club’s next challenge in the Champions League against AC Milan on Wednesday, Arteta will no doubt be asked to comment on the surprise departure and what it means for him personally.
On the pitch, the title-chasing Gunners are in somewhat of a slump as they sit in fifth place.
Back-to-back league defeats to Bournemouth and Newcastle will require an immediate bounce-back from Arteta’s players, but tough games against Milan, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest could prove to be tough stages to reverse the inconsistent form.
