Arsenal prepared to wait to find the right replacement for Edu; Jason Ayto to step in as sporting director, with Edu to serve six-month period of gardening leave before starting new role with Evangelos Marinakis.
Arsenal prepared to wait to find the right replacement for Edu; Jason Ayto to step in as sporting director, with Edu to serve six-month period of gardening leave before starting new role with Evangelos Marinakis.
Edu will serve a six-month period of gardening leave with assistant sporting director Jason Ayto stepping into the breach while Arsenal scout for a successor.
Arsenal are prepared to wait for the right person as a long-term replacement for Edu rather than rushing to make an appointment.
A key component for Arsenal is finding someone who dovetails and works well in partnership with Mikel Arteta the effectiveness of that relationship is felt to be linked to how strong Arsenal can be.
While losing a sporting director mid-season and somewhat abruptly is not ideal, the club are calm about the situation. There is a feeling Edu that has installed a solid structure, with the ownership having shown a skill for hiring accomplished people in all key departments.
The overriding feeling towards Edu’s decision has been one of gratitude and well wishes for the work that the Brazilian has done.
During the international break, the football leadership team will meet with owners the Kroenke family to discuss strategy and squad-building ahead of the next windows. The gathering is a tradition, and Edu’s successor will be on the agenda.
While Arsenal have been understanding of Edu’s decision to depart for a wider remit, some staff are stunned by his choice of new role, despite his known friendship with Evangelos Marinakis.