Arsenal issue statement as Edu quits amid Nottingham Forest job links

Edu is reportedly set to triple his salary after he quit as Arsenal sporting director this evening to join Evangelos Marinakis' group of clubs.

The move is said to have taken Arsenal's top brass by surprise, given Edu's instrumental role in transforming the club into Premier League title contenders.

Since his appointment as technical director in 2019 and subsequent promotion to sporting director in November 2022, Edu has overseen a number of successful transfer windows, including the signings of Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.

But after five years at the Emirates, Edu is now poised to work across Marinakis' clubs, which include Nottingham Forest, who are currently outperforming Arsenal in the league.

According to the Independent, Marinakis has offered Edu a contract that would more than triple his current earnings. It also suggested that Edu had aspirations to become Arsenal's chief executive.

Vinai Venkatesham vacated this position last summer, with Richard Garlick stepping up from director of football operations to managing director.

In a statement posted on the Arsenal website, Edu said: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make. Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.

“I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend.

“Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”

Our Co-Chair, Josh Kroenke, added: “We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.

“Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.
“Change and evolution is a part of our club. We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.”

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