BREAKING : Arsenal’s director Edu is set to depart Arsenal, a development that has taken both the club and Mikel Arteta by surprise…

Arsenal is facing an unexpected challenge as chief Edu prepares to leave, causing significant concern for the club and Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal’s sporting director Edu is poised to leave the club, delivering a significant blow to both the organization and manager Mikel Arteta.

Edu has played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s revival under Arteta, having joined as technical director in July 2019, just six months prior to Arteta’s appointment.

Together, they have transformed Arsenal into serious title contenders, finishing as runners-up to Manchester City on two occasions.

Edu was elevated to the position of sporting director in November 2022, a role he has held since.

Recognized as one of the premier sporting directors in football, Edu has been instrumental in securing vital signings, including Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, while also effectively managing the departures of players like Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Aaron Ramsdale.

Recent reports from the Daily Mail indicate that Edu has made the decision to step down after discussions with other club officials, signaling an anticipated reshuffle within the executive team.

It is important to note that his departure is not attributed to any internal power struggles at the Emirates Stadium.

Further information is expected to be released in the coming 24 hours, although the exact timing of Edu’s exit remains unclear.

Since Arteta’s appointment in December 2019, Edu has been a crucial supporter of the manager.

Arteta is scheduled to speak to the media ahead of the Champions League match against Inter Milan, where inquiries regarding Edu’s departure are expected.

Additionally, Sky Sports News has reported that Edu is being considered for a position within Evangelos Marinakis’s network of clubs, which includes Nottingham Forest and Olympiakos.

However, it remains uncertain if this potential opportunity is the reason behind his exit, as Arsenal officials are reportedly surprised by his decision.

Edu, a former midfielder, had a notable four-year tenure at Arsenal, during which he secured two Premier League titles and three FA Cups.

He began his executive journey as a director of football at Corinthians before taking on the role of general coordinator for the Brazil national team, eventually leading to his position at Arsenal.

This season has proven more challenging for Arsenal than anticipated, with their recent loss to Newcastle placing them fifth in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Liverpool.

This comes after a summer transfer window in which the club invested over £100 million.

New signings at the Emirates Stadium included Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino, David Raya, Raheem Sterling, and Neto.

Following Edu’s elevation to sporting director, Mikel Arteta expressed his desire for Edu to remain with the club for an extended period.

“I sincerely hope he stays here for a long time, as I believe it would greatly benefit the club. Our collaboration is excellent; he is a crucial figure who embodies the values and vision we aim to uphold, and I trust that will continue,” Arteta stated in 2022.

“There is a lot going on within a football club, and Edu plays a significant role. He possesses an exceptional ability to communicate and manage the various daily challenges we face. He is vital for both me and the team.

“It is essential that our roles are clearly defined; we must share the same vision while also challenging one another.

Coaches often have numerous ideas and may desire immediate results that aren’t necessarily in the club’s best interest.

“We maintain a proper balance, not just with Edu but also with Vinai (Venkatesham, CEO), Rich (Garlick, director of football operations), and the ownership.

This collective decision-making process is crucial, especially during both positive and challenging times.”