Arsenal stunned by Edu exit: Bold quote from sporting director just two months ago resurfaces – and shows just how surprising his exit is

A bold quote given by outgoing Arsenal sporting director Edu two months ago could suggest that the club have been rocked by news of his departure. 

Mail Sport reported exclusively on Monday that the Brazilian executive is preparing to leave the Emirates after five years as part of the club’s hierarchy. 

The former midfielder previously starred as a player under Arsene Wenger, making 217 appearances between 2001 and 2005. 

Edu joined the club as technical director in 2019 before his elevation to his current position and has been one of the figureheads of Arsenal’s new regime, playing a crucial role in the recruitment of players and refinement of the squad’s performance. 

Key signings the sporting director has tempted to the Emirates include Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, and the 46-year-old is closely aligned with Mikel Arteta. 

But the Brazilian sporting director is set to leave the Emirates after five years in the boardroom

Indeed, when the Spaniard signed his most recent contract extension in September, Edu hailed the decision to elongate Arteta’s deal as providing ‘stability’ for the club. 

In comments made after details of the extension were made public, departure from the club appeared the furthest thing from Edu’s mind as he talked up the importance of the ‘strong belief’ the Arsenal hierarchy and Arteta shared in their strategy – which he has sat at the helm of. 

‘We are really happy that Mikel has signed a new long-term contract,’ he said at the time. ‘It’s a very positive and proud moment for everyone at the club and an important part of what we’re all working towards.

‘Mikel has shown his qualities since the very first day he joined us, not only as a football manager, but as a person with wonderful values.

‘We have a strong belief in what we are doing and what we want to achieve together. Mikel’s new contract gives us stability and clear direction as we aim for new heights.’ 

There are scant details as to why Edu is set to move on amid Arsenal’s burgeoning success challenging at the top of the Premier League title, but more are expected to come out over the next 24 hours. 

It is thought there may have been a reshuffle in responsibilities among the Arsenal hierarchy in key positions but it is ‘too simplistic’ to suggest there has been a power struggle, one source told Mail Sport. 

Edu has been a key ally of Arteta and strongly aligned with the head coach’s vision for the club

The Spaniard will be seeking solutions to turn around his squad’s Premier League form fast

Edu’s departure is likely to be felt keenly by the Arsenal fanbase due to his active role in securing high-quality transfers. 

Ahead of the club’s next challenge in the Champions League against AC Milan on Wednesday, Arteta will no doubt be asked to comment on the surprise departure, and what it means to him personally.   

On the pitch, the title-chasing Gunners are mired in somewhat of a slump as they sit fifth in the table. 

Back-to-back league defeats against Bournemouth and Newcastle will demand an immediate bite-back from Arteta’s players, but tricky ties against Milan, Chelsea, and Nottingham Forest could prove difficult stages to turn around inconsistent form.