Arsenal consider move for 'tough negotiator' to replace transfer guru Edu

Arsenal's search for a new sporting director has led them to chief Thiago Scuro, it has been claimed.

Current incumbent Edu, who also spent time on the Gunners' books as a player, from the North London club. He is understood to have , opting instead to take a role under , Olympiacos and Rio Ave owner Evangelos Marinakis.

A number of candidates have emerged for the role as Edu's successor, including two other ex- players. Gunners academy manager has been mentioned in connection with the role, as has - currently at Sparta Prague.

Real Sociedad's Roberto Olabe is another name thought to be in the mix following . Now, though, Scuro's name has come up in reports.

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According to , Scuro has caught the Gunners' eye for his reputation as a tough negotiator. One example cited is the deal to sell Youssouf Fofana to AC Milan, with Monaco playing hardball despite the midfielder only having a year left on his contract.

Scuro spent a number of years with Red Bull Bragantino in his native Brazil, helping the team climb up to the top flight. Monaco snapped him up in 2023, though, trusting him to pull the strings after Paul Mitchell left for .

Monaco had a busy time in the transfer market in each of the last two summers, selling the likes of Fofana and Axel Disasi while adding former Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun among others. The reward last season was a second-place finish in Ligue 1, while they are flying high in the league and this term.

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Arsenal manager was asked about Edu's exit ahead of the recent Champions League reverse against Inter Milan, and delivered an honest assessment before paying tribute to the Brazilian's contributions. Edu arrived back at Arsenal in 2019 and oversaw plenty of ins and outs, culminating in a pair of runner-up finishes in the .

"Everything happened very quickly," the Spaniard said. "I loved working with him, i really enjoyed being alongside him in this incredible journey. I’m very grateful for everything he’s done for me and the football club.

"I think we both had this special chemistry working together. I’m very blessed that he’s been part of my life managing this club.

"He’s had an amazing opportunity now to do something else in a different role. He feels that’s best for him. We have to respect that. From that bottom of my heart I wish the best for him."

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