Arsenal’s ‘next technical director’ has reportedly already lined up his first summer signing
Former Arsenal midfielder Edu is reportedly set to return to the club as technical director and he already has his sights set on a first summer signing.
The Gunners have been actively seeking a successor to Sven Mislintat following the German’s departure after just 14-months in the technical director hot seat.
Could Edu return to north London? Five key things to know…
- During his playing days, Edu was an integral member of Arsenal’s 2003/04 Invincibles squad.
- Since retiring the Brazilian has been assistant manager to Carlos Queiroz for Iran’s 2014 World Cup campaign.
- More recently he has operated as the coordinator for the Brazilian FA national teams.
- According to the Daily Mail, Edu will become Arsenal’s new technical director but only when the Copa America – which Brazil are hosting – finishes this summer.
- That means Edu will not take up his position until mid-way through the transfer market, but Arsenal remain keen on securing his services.
https://audioboom.com/posts/7234057-i-can-t-think-of-any-potential-arsenal-signings-that-make-more-sense
Transfer guru Monchi had been tipped to take up the vacant position in north London but returned to Sevilla last month following the mutual termination of his contract with Roma.
As such, Edu – who made 127 appearances for Arsenal between 2001 and 2005 – has now emerged as the latest candidate to fill the void, and should those rumours come to fruition Arsenal may already have their hands on a first summer signing.
Brazilian starlet Gabriel Martinelli has attracted plenty of interest from overseas, but the 17-year-old attacker is believed to be on the cusp of committing himself to a move across the Atlantic to the Emirates – should Edu become technical director that is.
Unai Emery will be keen to add substantial firepower to his ranks this summer, with Aaron Ramsey leaving for Juventus and Denis Suarez likely to return to Barcelona following his dismal loan spell.
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Who is Martinelli?
At 17, the Ituano wonderkid has been attracting plenty of plaudits and admiring glances from some of Europe’s elite clubs, particularly Arsenal who now look set to secure his signature.
Born in the Brazilian municipality, Guarulhos, Martinelli comes from very good stock, with the city of Sao Paulo proving one of the most productive hotbeds for rising stars over the years.
Hailed from the Corinthians academy, Martinelli relocated to Ituano in 2015 after trials with Manchester United and Barcelona. Since then the young forward has been turning heads, scoring six goals in the Paulista Championship this season.
Nominally a left winger, the Paulistano forward can play anywhere across the front line, including behind the striker, which would certainly bring some much-need versatility to Emery’s front line.
