Arsenal sporting director Edu is reportedly on the brink of a lucrative move to Evangelos Marinakis' group of clubs.
The Brazilian, who has been instrumental in transforming Arsenal into Premier League title contenders, is set to leave the Gunners in a move that has taken the club's chiefs by surprise.
Edu, who joined as technical director in 2019 and was promoted to sporting director in November 2022, has overseen several successful transfer windows in north London, including making key signings like Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.
However, after five years at the Emirates Stadium, he is set to join Marinakis' group, which includes Nottingham Forest, currently outperforming Arsenal in the league.
The Independent report that Marinakis has offered Edu a contract that would increase his earnings by more than three times of his existing wage. It's understood that Edu had aspirations to become Arsenal's chief executive.
Following Vinai Venkatesham's departure as CEO last summer, Richard Garlick was promoted to replace him as managing director, having previously served as director of football operations.
Garlick, who previously worked for the Premier League and West Brom, was praised by co-chair Josh Kroenke for elevating the club's football strategy.
"Richard is recognised and respected across the industry for his vast experience, and we were delighted when he joined us back in 2021 to take our football strategy to the next level," said Kroenke. "He has made an enormous impact since joining us, working closely with our Sporting Director, Edu, on the development and implementation of the club's football strategy. He has developed strong relationships right across the club and wider industry.
"Rich has been key to the progress we've made as a club including recent transfers and I'm thrilled he will now lead our Executive Team and continue to drive the club forward with passion."
The Gunners are currently facing challenges this season, trailing behind Forest by a point. Arsenal's recent loss to Newcastle has left them seven points behind the top spot, currently held by Liverpool.
