Edu leaves role as Arsenal sporting director

Edu left the Brazilian FA to join Arsenal in 2019

Edu has resigned from his role as Arsenal's sporting director.

The Brazilian rejoined the Gunners as technical director in summer 2019 before being promoted to sporting director in November 2022.

Edu, 46, played for Arsenal between 2001 and 2005 and won two league titles, with one coming as part of the 'Invincibles' team of 2003-04.

"This was an incredibly hard decision to make," Edu said on Monday.

"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."

The former midfielder was heavily involved in bringing manager Mikel Arteta to the club, with Arsenal winning the FA Cup at the end of Arteta's first season in charge.

While major silverware has eluded them since, working alongside the Spaniard, Edu has been widely credited with helping to transform the club back into genuine title challengers.

Edu added: "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.

"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."

Arsenal have ended the two previous campaigns as Premier League runners-up behind champions Manchester City.

Captain Martin Odegaard, Ben White, Gabriel, Gabriel Jesus and Declan Rice have all arrived and become key players during Edu's tenure, although the recruitment of players such as David Luiz and Willian had less of an impact.

All of last Saturday's starting XI were signed after Edu's appointment, with the exception of academy product Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke said: "We respect Edu's decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.

"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."

There has been movement off the field at Arsenal in recent times, with Richard Garlick taking up the role as managing director at the beginning of this season after CEO Vinai Venkatesham left at the end of the last campaign.

The Gunners are also set to appoint James King as director of football operations.

King previously worked at the club but left to join the Professional Footballers' Association as their general counsel.

Arsenal were approached by the BBC but did not comment on the situation.