Former Arsenal midfielder Edu set for return to the club as technical director

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Ex-Arsenal star Edu is currently coordinator of the Brazilian FA national teams
The 40-year-old is wanted for a new role at the Emirates as technical director
Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli, 17, is being lined up as the first summer signing

Published: 17:45 EDT, 20 April 2019 | Updated: 20:17 EDT, 20 April 2019

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Edu is back on course to become Arsenal’s technical director, with 17-year-old Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli lined up to be the first signing of a summer rebuild under Unai Emery.

Former Arsenal midfielder Edu is currently coordinator of the Brazilian FA national teams. The 40-year-old is wanted for the new role at the Emirates after Monchi opted to return to Sevilla after leaving Roma, rather than join Arsenal.

Edu has historical links to the club as part of The Invincibles squad of 2003-04 and is seen as an ideal candidate, but he was previously reluctant to move because Brazil are hosting the Copa America this summer.

Edu (left) looks set for a return to Arsenal to take up position as technical director

And while he still would not join Arsenal until the end of the tournament in July, in the middle of the transfer window, the delay in finding a suitable candidate means that is no longer seen as a barrier to his appointment.

Arsenal have identified Martinelli, who playes for Ituano, as their first summer signing and the right-sided attacking player is now on the verge of committing himself to the London club.

Emery is also looking for a centre back, a left back and another attacking wide player.