Arsenal sporting director Edu is leaving the club – a huge blow for Mikel Arteta as he loses a key ally who drove the transformation and signed Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice

Mikel Arteta will lose a key ally at Arsenal as highly regarded sporting director Edu is set to leave the club.

The Brazilian, a former Arsenal midfielder, was responsible for bringing in key signings such as Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice and led Arsenal's strong performance in recruiting and providing key players to the club.

He is widely regarded as one of the leading sporting directors in world football, having driven change in Arsenal's new signings and aided the release of troubled stars such as Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, who were seen as part of a failed past.

Discussions are ongoing with the club's hierarchy and although the reasons are currently unclear, it is his decision to leave. Further details are expected to be announced in the next 24 hours.

It is believed there has been a reshuffle of responsibilities in key positions within the Arsenal hierarchy, but it is “too simplistic” to assume there has been a power struggle, a source told Mail Sport.

The Brazilian has been a close ally of Mikel Arteta as he has sparked a cultural change at the club in recent years

Edu, who is regularly photographed by the club photographer alongside new signings and quoted in official club communications, has been the driving force behind a cultural change at the club since taking over in 2019.

He was appointed because he “gets the club and what is needed”.

A former teammate said: “There’s something really special about the guy.”

Then director of football Raul Sanileh said: “We are very happy that Edu is joining the team.” He has great experience and technical football knowledge and, above all, is a real Arsenal man. He understands the club and knows what we stand for with our millions of fans around the world.”

Edu, 46, said in an interview that he was proud to have helped Arteta “change the way people look at our club and the vision that people have of Arsenal compared to the past.”

A cultured Brazilian midfielder, he was signed by Arsene Wenger and played for the Invincibles with teammates such as Dennis Bergkamp, ​​Patrick Vieira and Martin Keown.

“I want to win in the best way possible,” he added. “If we win the cup it will be because we did it right.” “Ask every single Arsenal fan what they think.” He spoke after Arsenal lost to Manchester City in the title race.

His departure will be felt by the Arsenal fanbase, who are eagerly awaiting the club's announcement of the reasons behind the decision.

Arsenal play in Milan on Wednesday. Arteta will speak on Tuesday when asked about Edu's departure and what it means for him personally.

Edu has been instrumental in bringing top talent to the Emirates, including Declan Rice in 2023

Little is known about why the manager will leave his position. Further details are expected to be announced in the next 24 hours

Keown, a Mail Sport columnist, said this about Edu's appointment, which eventually led to a promotion to sporting director

“I find it very interesting because he understands that role and understands the expectations at Arsenal,” Keown said in 2019.

“He can't really influence it on the training pitch.” But he will get things under control with how the club works.

“He's a great guy who, to be honest, was also hugely underestimated.” It was a big loss when he left the football club because he had a certain level of class about him. I am pleased that the club has recognized this.