Ivan Gazidis’s presence in Milan could force Leonardo out with the Brazilian tipped to replace Edu who is still said to be Arsenal-bound.

BIRMINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM: Arsenal's Edu celebrates scoring his goal to end the match 2-0 during their premiership match at home to West Bromwich, 02 May 2005. AFP PHOTO/ CARL DE SOUZA.
BIRMINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM: Arsenal’s Edu celebrates scoring his goal to end the match 2-0 during their premiership match at home to West Bromwich, 02 May 2005. AFP PHOTO/ CARL DE SOUZA.

It’s all went very quiet on the Edu front since the start of May when it was claimed he’d agreed to join Arsenal as their Technical Director.

That hasn’t really changed, but a throwaway line alerted me to a piece in the Italian media that slots a few more pieces of the puzzle together.

190527 corriere della sera leonardo edu milan gazidis
Corriere della Sera 27 May 2019

At Milan, Leonardo wants more autonomy, something he’s unlikely to get with Ivan Gazidis at the helm according to a report in Monday’s Corriere della Sera. As a result, he’s moving towards handing in his resignation with the Serie A club rather than live with a more limited role. His next job? As Edu’s replacement at the Brazilian FA.

Leonardo would be reportedly be replaced by Luis Campo even though Paolo Maldini was recruited last summer to work alongside the 49-year-old.

CAGLIARI, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 16: Leonardo of Milan looks on during the serie A match between Cagliari and AC Milan at Sardegna Arena on September 16, 2018 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
CAGLIARI, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Leonardo of Milan looks on during the serie A match between Cagliari and AC Milan at Sardegna Arena on September 16, 2018 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

The Brazilian FA denied there’s any deal in place to take Edu to Arsenal who, it has to be highlighted, has reportedly only agreed to move to London ‘in principle‘. That still leaves a massive hole through which this could all fall.

Shortly after it was announced Edu had agreed to join Arsenal, the CBF (Brazilian FA) issued a statement that said, “Co-ordinator Edu Gaspar has a current contract with the CBF until the end of the Qatar World Cup in 2022.

“Edu Gaspar informed the CBF that he received an offer from an English club but explained at the moment that he is solely focused on Brazil’s matches at the Copa America.

“The CBF, therefore, denies any speculations around names for the position of co-ordinator. We’re clear about the qualities required for this position which brings together an administrative capacity and experience on the field.”

Edu is not expected to join Arsenal until after the end of the Copa America in July anyway (it finishes on 7 July) and now that the Brazilians have a replacement in their sights, we might start to see a bit more movement with this story.

He is expected to bring wonderkid Gabrielle Martinelli with him when he arrives.