Arsenal legend Martin Keown has expressed his bewilderment regarding the recent departure of Edu from his position as sporting director at the club, a move that has left many scratching their heads given his successful tenure in North London.
Edu, instrumental in Arsenal’s resurgence in the Premier League, has forged a formidable alliance with manager Mikel Arteta. Over the years, the 46-year-old has been pivotal in bringing top talents to the team, with standout signings such as Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice underlining his keen eye for potential.
In a candid discussion on TNT Sports, Keown lamented the loss of Edu, stating that he finds it difficult to comprehend the reasons behind his exit and expressed a hope that financial incentives were not at play.
“It is hard to fathom,” the former defender remarked. “I would never walk away from that job. It has to be the perfect job in football. I hope it is not money he has left for. He was loved at the club and was doing an amazing job.”
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Following Edu’s unexpected exit, reports from The Independent have hinted at a potential new chapter for him with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis and his associated clubs.
Discussions appear to be ongoing between Edu and the Marinakis group, which could see him take the lead in recruitment efforts for Nottingham Forest, Greek club Olympiacos, and Portuguese side Rio Ave.
Insiders suggest that Edu harbored aspirations of becoming Arsenal’s CEO, a role the Marinakis group is poised to offer, along with a significant salary increase that could see his wages soar to over three times his current earnings at Arsenal.
While the definitive reasons behind his departure remain shrouded in mystery, the possibility that financial gain was a factor could leave a sour taste in the mouths of Gunners supporters.
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