Arsenal have reportedly been holding talks with Brazil manager Tite with a view to handing him a role at the club after the 2022 World Cup.
Tite, 60, has been in charge of the Brazil national team since 2016 but his current contract is due to end following the conclusion of the tournament in Qatar in December this year. And he could well be heading to North London to link up with former colleague Edu.
The pair worked together previously when Edu was involved as Brazil's general coordinator from 2016-19, prior to him returning to Arsenal. It is reported that Edu has now approached Tite about the prospect of him taking up a role with the Gunners in the near future.
TV Globo reporter Eric Faria told ESPN on Thursday: "There is already a negotiation of Tite to work in English football. To work at Arsenal. He worked with Edu Gaspar. There is the intention, negotiations have started."
It's unclear in what capacity Tite would be appointed, but the move would no doubt be welcomed at Arsenal, given his wealth of experience he could pass on to Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and those behind the scenes. He has had plenty of practice dealing with big-name superstars too, having managed the likes of Neymar, as well as a number of Liverpool and Manchester City players.
Tite even handed Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli his international debut this week, bringing the 20-year-old on as a substitute in the 4-0 win over Chile. Brazil are top of their qualifying group for the World Cup having won 13 of their 16 matches and remain unbeaten.
Would Tite be a good addition to Arsenal's backroom team? Have your say in the comments below.
Tite has a strong track record, having led Brazil to the 2019 Copa America while narrowly losing the 2021 final to Argentina. Brazil also reached the 2018 World Cup quarter-finals under Tite's stewardship, eventually going out to Belgium.
He has also had success at club level, winning the Brazilian top flight with Corinthians in 2011 and 2015. He led the same club to the Copa Libertadores in 2012 and subsequently claimed the FIFA Club World Cup that year, beating Chelsea in the final.
Edu was also involved at Corinthians as director of football during Tite's reign. The 43-year-old has shaken off initial scepticism around his vision for Arsenal after being scrutinised following the club's £150million spending spree last summer, and stated his previous roles had prepared him well for the task at the Emirates.
Speaking in September after Arsenal had slipped to three successive defeats in their opening Premier League games, Edu told Sky Sports: "I respect all the pressure. I came in from Corinthians and then the Brazilian national team where there is unbelievable pressure, just as here.
"I understand the fans. I understand the reason and I accept that, but we will need a bit of time to do what we plan to do. I know this type of work, when we are talking about signings, and needing patience hurts Arsenal fans a lot, but it is the reality. That's why when I say to you we have to create a good foundation and to create a good foundation you need time."
