Ex-Arsenal Man Denies Deal Has Been Agreed For Him To Become New Director Of Football

Edu claims that he has held talks for the role, but paused those conversations to focus on the Copa America…

Former Arsenal man Edu has denied that a deal has been done for him to join the club as a director of football and he’s insisted that his full focus is on the Copa America, Esporte Interativo reports.

Edu has been linked with taking up the role in yet another summer of change following the departures of Ivan Gazidis and Sven Mislintat over the past 10 months.

Raul Sanllehi is now the ‘top-dog’ at the club and is looking to appoint a few officials to carry the burden of recruitment while he oversees the entire operation.

It has been reported that Arsenal scout Francis Cagigao will be promoted to head of recruitment, while Edu is the main target to take-up the director of football role.

However, despite claims suggesting the deal is done, Edu insists that his sole focus is now on the Copa America with Brazil, though he admits that he did hold talks with the club.

“Yes, I had a conversation with Arsenal,” Edu said.

“I was very clear: I am focused on 100% on the Copa America. I’m not negotiating on anything because of the COPA.”

Edu currently holds the position of general manager for the Brazilian national team and this summer’s tournament is a crucial one for them as they look to end their trophy drought.

Given that the Copa America ends in the middle of July, one hopes the club are already pressing on with their summer plans.