Arsenal will take time to consider the appointment of Edu's successor as sporting director, with deputy Jason Ayt expected to step up until the recruitment process is complete.
Manager Mikel Arteta admitted before Wednesday's 1-0 defeat at Inter that the Brazilian's departure had come as a surprise to Arsenal and that “everything happened so quickly.” Edu, who is expected to join Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis' multi-club network on a £5m-a-year salary, will begin a six-month notice period with reduced responsibilities as Arsenal search for a replacement. I know that.
Arteta will play a key role in that decision, along with other Arsenal executives, including executive vice-chairman Tim Lewis and Richard Garlick, who was promoted from director of football operations to managing director in the summer. is expected. . A target has yet to be decided, but it is believed that he is looking for someone who can work closely with the Arsenal manager and build on the club's progress over recent seasons.
Ait, who was promoted to assistant sporting director last April, is expected to step into the breach as the club prepares for the January transfer window. The 38-year-old is highly regarded at Arsenal, starting as a video scout in 2014 and moving up through his role as recruitment coordinator. He could be considered for a permanent role, but Arsenal are thought to be targeting a more experienced sporting director and may be prepared to wait as long as six months to find the right fit.
Arsenal leaders are scheduled to meet with owner Stan Kroenke and his son Josh, who is co-chairman, in the United States during next week's international break to discuss next summer's transfer window. The team are seven points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after a test start to the season, but unless key players are injured, big-money signings are thought to be unlikely in January.
Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino came on as substitutes against Inter and are expected to be available for Sunday's game against Chelsea, but there are doubts about Declan Rice, who missed the trip to Italy due to a foot injury. Captain Martin Odegaard came on as a late substitute after missing Arsenal's previous 12 games with an ankle injury.
Arsenal registered 20 attempts and had almost 63% possession at San Siro, but could not find a way to break through Inter's defence. “It was very tough and very frustrating for us,” defender Julian Timber said. “I think we played a good game. We dominated a lot, but we didn't score.”
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He is confident of the visit to Stamford Bridge: “It's going to be another tough game, but I believe in the team. We have a lot of quality and we need a bit more to score more goals.” We need luck.''I have a lot of faith in the team, so we'll be fine. ”
