Arsenal considering ‘tough negotiator’ from Champions League club to replace Edu

Arsenal have added Monaco chief Thiago Scuro to their shortlist of possible candidates to replace Edu as sporting director.

The Gunners announced in an official statement last week that Edu brought an end to his two-year reign in the position, having initially returned to north London as technical director in 2019.

It’s understood Edu has been lined up for a lucrative recruitment role in the network of teams spearheaded by Evangelos Marinakis, the owner of Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos – a job which could reportedly triple his salary.

During his time at the Emirates, Edu built up a strong relationship with Mikel Arteta and was credited with facilitating a host of high-profile signings, including Declan Rice, William Saliba and Martin Odegaard.

But the club must press ahead without the Brazilian and a number of big names have already been linked as potential successors, including former fan favourites Per Mertesacker and Tomas Rosicky.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Edu’s fellow countryman Thiago Scuro is the latest name to be considered for the vacant sporting position having excelled as Monaco’s director of football over the last 18 months.

The report claims Scuro has grown a reputation as a ‘tough negotiator’, with a philosophy centred around ‘organisation’, ‘human relations’ and fostering a ‘sense of belonging’.

The 43-year-old previously worked wonders with Red Bull Bragantino in the Brazil, where he held the position of sporting director from 2018 up until his appointment with Monaco.

Since Scuro’s arrival in the principality, the Ligue 1 club have established themselves back among Europe’s elite and currently sit third in the Champions League standings behind Liverpool and Sporting.

Scuro’s meteoric rise to prominence began in 2004, when he took over the reins as the CEO of Rio de Janeiro outfit Audax-RJ.

Arsenal’s outgoing sporting director Edu has been quick to dispel any rumours of a possible falling out behind the scenes, passing on his best wishes to the club for the future in his statement last Monday.

‘This was an incredibly hard decision to make,’ the former Arsenal and Brazil midfielder said.

‘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.

‘It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.  

‘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. 

‘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.’

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