Edu 'rejected desperate Arsenal bid' to head off link-up with Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis

Edu decided to leave Arsenal despite their best efforts to match an offer from Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, it is claimed.

The Brazilian, who became Arsenal's first technical director in 2019, confirmed his departure on Monday following a transformative five years in North London. But it has now emerged that the 46-year-old turned down a hefty pay rise to triple his wages at the Emirates.

His contribution to the Gunners' transfer strategy has been influential, but he's now set to work within Marinakis' multi-club ownership circle, which includes Forest, Olympiacos, and Rio Ave. However, MailOnline reports that the Gunners tried to present a counter-offer comparable to Marinakis'. But attracted by the potential of working in an international, multi-club structure, Edu ultimately chose to move on.

Edu explained his reasons for leaving Arsenal in a statement released on Monday, reports the Mirror.

He said: "This was an incredibly hard decision to make. 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.

"But 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."

And it seems Edu's first mission in his new role has been revealed - Marinakis is said to want to add a Brazilian team to his stable of clubs and sees his new recruit as the man to pull it off.

According to Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola (via Sport Witness), Marinakis is keen to take over Vasco da Gama. It is said they are not the only option for a swoop but are currently seen as the “likeliest”.

The report comes as Marinakis is said to have agreed a deal in principle with Brazilian Edu to take on a role overseeing his trio of teams. Nicola suggests that buying another club will be Edu’s “first mission” once he officially links up with the shipping magnate.

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