Edu resigns: Mikel Arteta to have major say in replacement as Evangelos Marinakis lines up move

Arsenal sporting director Edu resigned on Monday following a double-your-money offer from Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, with Mikel Arteta to have a major say on how Arsenal replace him.

Edu is understood to have agreed a deal in principle to work for Marinakis, who owns Forest, Olympiacos and Portuguese club Rio Ave.

Telegraph Sport understands that Edu has been targeted as a potential chief executive of the Marinakis group, overseeing operations at his three clubs, having turned down a similar offer in the summer.

Marinakis is also said to be considering the takeover of a fourth club, with Monza in Italy a possible target, which could also fall under the umbrella of Edu.

Edu was believed to earn in the region of £3 million-a-year at Arsenal with Marinakis ready to at least double his salary.

Marinakis has been in the United States on shipping business, but is due to return to Athens in the next 24 hours when he will hope to formalise Edu’s appointment.

The departure of Edu was confirmed by Arsenal on Monday evening, with the Brazilian stating that he wants to pursue a new challenge. The club’s co-chair Josh Kroenke said that the succession plan will be in line with trying to win major trophies and it is clear that manager Arteta will play a major role in that process.

All major decisions at Arsenal are taken by the football leadership team of Arteta, managing director Richard Garlick and executive Tim Lewis.

There is recognition that Arteta, who signed a new contract until 2027 in September, must be given a big say over how Arsenal replace Edu given how closely he worked with the Brazilian.

Arteta is losing a key ally in Edu and will want to be confident he can work equally well with his eventual successor which will be vital to Arsenal’s ongoing success.

Garlick and Lewis are expected to take recommendations and advice from Arteta before the three men decide exactly how Edu will be replaced.

One source said: “Mikel will have to have a major say on anyone who comes in or how Arsenal replace Edu. Where he’s at in his career and his status at the club, it’s unthinkable that he wouldn’t.”

With Arsenal in Champions League action this week, Arteta will be asked about the departure of Edu and the direction he expects Arsenal to go without him.

Edu helped Arsenal secure key signings for Arteta such as Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, while also playing a big role in a clearout of former players who were no longer wanted by the manager.

Arsenal confirmed Edu’s resignation in a statement in which the club’s former midfielder 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.”

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.”

Edu’s most expensive signings rated

Declan Rice

The club’s record signing by far and, on top of his footballing quality, consistently demonstrates a leadership influence both on and off the pitch that is impossible to quantify.
Verdict: Hit

Nicolas Pépé

Arrived soon after Edu became sporting director at a moment when Arsenal were ready to spend big but 27 goals across more than 100 games did not justify the price tag.
Verdict: Miss

Kai Havertz

A surprising signing given the willingness of a direct rival in Chelsea to sell; his versatility has been valuable but lacks the goalscoring record to take Arsenal to the next level.
Verdict: Jury out

Ben White

A fabulously versatile defender who has added steel and spirit to the Arsenal back line over the past four years.
Verdict: Hit

Thomas Partey

His midfield presence has been crucial to Arsenal’s improvement over the past four years and will soon hold talks about extending his contract beyond this season.
Verdict: Hit

Gabriel Jesus

The most obvious difference between Arsenal and Manchester City or Liverpool is a striker who can consistently score 25+ goals in a season and, for all the hope, Jesus has not been that man.
Verdict: Miss

Riccardo Calafiori

Scored spectacularly against City in the 2-2 draw earlier this season and a summer arrival of vast long-term potential.
Verdict: Jury out

Jurrien Timber

Suffered a serious knee injury almost as soon as he arrived that ruined last season but is now finally beginning to establish himself.
Verdict: Jury out

Martin Odegaard

A player of rare guile and technical ability whose class has been central to Arsenal’s re-emergence as a regular title contender.
Verdict: Hit

Fábio Vieira

Played a significant role in Arsenal’s title push in 2022-23 but has become peripheral as the squad has strengthened and now back on loan at Porto.
Verdict: Miss