Arsenal refused to meet Edu's ambitious demand despite lucrative new contract offer
Arsenal were dealt the shock news that Edu was leaving his role as sporting director with the Brazilian unable to land the job he so craved at the Emirates despite the offer of more money
by Samuel Meade · The MirrorArsenal refused to make Edu the club's CEO despite offering him a new lucrative contract before he chose to leave the Emirates on Monday.
The sporting director in north London produced the shock news to begin the week and will leave his post with the Premier League side. Edu has been pivotal to Arsenal's rise in recent seasons, working impressively with Mikel Arteta.
The Brazilian made no secret of his ambition and wanted to rise up the ranks at the Emirates, seeking more responsibility. Arsenal were willing to give Edu a pay bump, but didn't want to change his job title, which meant he would've been left with the same remit, reports the Daily Mail.
It is not confirmed but Edu is now expected to take up a position as CEO of Evangelos Marinakis’ group, overseeing recruitment for a network of clubs which include Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos and Rio Ave.
The Brazilian is due to receive a notable pay bump when he takes on his new job, but his motivation for making the move was the extra responsibility and new job title - which he had sought whilst at Arsenal. Vinai Venkatesham was recently the CEO but left less than 12 months ago, before Richard Garlick stepped in to take up the role.
When Edu confirmed his exit he said: "This was an incredibly hard decision to make. 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."
Edu was responsible for the signings of captain Martin Odegaard, Ben White, Gabriel, Gabriel Jesus and the club-record capture of Declan Rice. Arsenal have also become a domestic force once again - finishing second to Manchester City in successive seasons - with Edu pivotal to that.
Arsenal's co-chairman Josh Kroenke insists that the club will move on with their ambitions despite the exit of their sporting director. He said: “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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