Edu closing in on Arsenal technical director job as Brazilian federation replace him with Juninho following Copa America success
- Edu is set to become Arsenal’s new technical director after he left Brazil post
- Former Arsenal midfielder is in advanced talks with the Gunners over the job
- Brazilian federation have appointed Juninho to his general coordinator role
- It comes after they defeated Peru 3-1 to win home Copa America on Sunday
Edu is closing in on the technical director job at Arsenal after Brazil appointed Juninho to replace him as their general coordinator.
Sportsmail reported last month that talks over the Brazilian’s return to the Gunners, where he played between 2001 and 2005, were at an advanced stage.
And now the Copa America is over following Brazil’s 3-1 win over Peru on Sunday, the final details are expected to be confirmed as the 41-year-old makes his return.
Edu is poised to become Arsenal’s new technical director after the Brazilian Football Federation appointed Juninho to his general coordinator post
Edu made over 100 appearances for the Gunners during five seasons at the club
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed in a statement on Monday that Juninho, the former Middlesbrough and Atletico Madrid playmaker, will move into the job from his current director of football development role.
‘Edu built a story inside the CBF, helped to elaborate a methodology of work and also leaves a winner,’ CBF president Rogerio Caboclo said.
‘I would like to record our thanks.
‘Juninho also represents the Brazilian football that lifts trophies. He is a winner on and off the field with a solid career as a manager.
‘In those first few months with CBF he proved we were right in choosing him. He did a great job on the development board.
‘It was a difficult decision, but we are sure that he will carry out the new role with great success.’
Edu pictured at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium during a visit to London back in 2011
Edu leaves his post with the Brazil team having seen them win the Copa America last weekend
Central midfielder Edu made 127 appearances for Arsenal over five seasons having signed from Corinthians in 2000.
During his time with the Gunners, he helped them win two Premier League titles – including as part of the ‘Invincibles’ team in 2003-04 – and the FA Cup twice.
Sportsmail understands that the Brazil federation agreed to waive a £6million compensation fee, which would have been a significant obstacle given Arsenal’s tight finances this summer.
Arsenal’s head of football Raul Sanllehi turned to Edu after a move for famed talent-spotter Monchi fell through after the Spaniard chose to return to Sevilla.
Edu will be expected to work within a restricted budget to recruit players following three consecutive seasons without Champions League football.
