Edu rejected bumper Arsenal deal in favour of multi-club role

North London club may even have been willing to pay Brazilian more than he would receive in new position

Edu turned down a lucrative pay rise at Arsenal to pursue his aim of becoming a global head of football.
The Brazilian is now intent on working for a multi-club ownership and has received several offers since his shock decision to resign from Arsenal which was confirmed on Monday.
It is understood that the Premier League club attempted to persuade their sporting director to stay and were prepared to offer him a significant improvement on his salary which may even have been more than he will be paid in his new role.
However, the 46-year-old has remained adamant that he is not leaving for money and, instead, is keen to develop his career in a different direction and is enthusiastic about the multi-club model and heading it up.
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis wants Edu to lead his football operation which also includes Greek club Olympiacos and Portugal’s Rio Ave. It is expected that Marinakis will expand his portfolio further.
Other multi-club organisations are also interested in Edu but the expectation is that he will eventually agree to work for Marinakis. Claims that Edu will treble his salary are incorrect although it remains to be seen when he will be able to take up a new job.
The loss of the former midfielder will be a serious blow to Arsenal, where he has worked closely with Mikel Arteta. Telegraph Sport revealed that Arteta, who joined Arsenal a few months after Edu in 2019, will have a say in his replacement. Arteta will work closely with managing director Richard Garlick and executive vice-chair Tim Lewis.
Edu played a key role in overhauling an underperforming and overpaid squad and making Arsenal more competitive with some impressive signings such as Martin Odegaard, William Saliba and Declan Rice. This was recognised when he was appointed Arsenal’s first sporting director two years ago having previously been technical director.
Last November, Edu was named Best European Director for 2023 at the Golden Boy awards, organised by Italian newspaper Tuttosport.
In a statement released by Arsenal on Monday, 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.”
Edu added: “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.”
Thom Gibbs