Edu is top Arsenal choice for technical director role at Emirates Stadium

Edu has emerged as the front-runner in Arsenal’s pursuit of a technical director.

The Gunners are in the midst of a reshuffle following Sven Mislintat’s departure as head of recruitment in February.

The German had disagreements with other senior figures at the club over transfer targets but was also disappointed to be overlooked for the technical director post, with head of football Raul Sanllehi preferring an external candidate.

Arsenal had to renew their search in March, however, after former Sevilla goalkeeper Monchi rejected their offer of a three-year contract and opted to rejoin his former club when he left Roma.

Edu was first approached about the position in January. The 40-year-old opted to remain in his role with the Brazil national team — where he is likely to stay until after July’s Copa America — but talks have been revived recently. One report in Brazil this morning stated a deal had been completed but that has not yet been confirmed.

Edu is now viewed as the first-choice option as the Gunners seek to appoint someone to help standardise and co-ordinate the playing philosophy at all levels of the club.

Edu was part of the ‘Invincibles’ squad which won the Premier League in 2004 and the Double two years earlier and would come with excellent knowledge of the South American market.

Marseille’s Andoni Zubizarreta and Ajax’s Marc Overmars have also been linked with the role. Like Edu, Overmars has a previous playing career in north London to recommend him but he is not thought to be a serious contender.