EDU GASPAR has been lined up to join Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ footballing empire.
The Greek billionaire, who also owns Olympiacos and Rio Ave, is ready to treble Edu’s Arsenal wage and give him a role as chief executive across all clubs.
Edu has been a transformational presence at the Emirates but is thought to be attracted by the increased power the role on offer would give.
Marinakis has been pursuing Edu since the summer, with talks having reopened in recent weeks.
The 46-year-old had been in Brazil last month due to personal reasons but returned to London last week.
The former Gunners midfielder is manager Mikel Arteta’s strongest ally at the club, having stuck by him through a troubled start at times to take Arsenal back to the top.
Arteta and Edu have worked together to transform the culture and playing squad in North London.
Players learning the news of Edu’s departure on Monday morning were said to be shocked by the decision.
The Brazilian, part of Arsenal’s Invincibles squad under Arsene Wenger, has developed a close relationship with a number of the current players.
Arsenal must now decide whether to directly replace Edu or restructure their current leadership team, spearheaded on the footballing side by Richard Garlick and Tim Lewis.
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Premier League title rivals Manchester City are making their own change upstairs this summer, with director of football Txiki Begiristain leaving at the end of the season.
They have already moved to land sought after Hugo Viana from Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon.
Marinakis has enjoyed immense success in charge of Forest, who are currently third in the Prem table, and Olympiacos, who became the first ever Greek club to win a European trophy last season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
