Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke is set to improve Edu's 'Football Intelligence' recruitment unit after making changes to the boardroom.
Kroenke released a rare statement last week to confirm his son Josh had joined him as co-chair, while board member Tim Lewis was promoted to executive vice-chair. Kroenke is now expected to give Edu greater power after the ex-midfielder's promotion last year.
Edu became Arsenal's first ever sporting director - leading their transfer business - in November. The Brazilian is set to be given the green light to bolster the Premier League club's recruitment department, with two promotions expected to be handed out.
As reported by The Athletic, Jason Ayto will become Arsenal's assistant sporting director and James Ellis will be given the title of head of recruitment. Ayto started working for the club in 2014 - recently acting as Edu's deputy - while Ellis joined in the summer of 2021.
Arsenal's recruitment structure has undergone a major improvement since most of their scouts were made redundant in the summer of 2020. Since then, the likes of Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard have all been signed.
Edu's recruitment department is known informally as the 'Football Intelligence' unit. First-team scout Mark Curtis, data analytics specialist Tolly Coburn and loans manager Ben Knapper are expected to be given significant roles in the revamped department.
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Kroenke has been criticised since becoming a shareholder in the Gunners in 2007. The American, who owns several sports franchises in the United States, became Arsenal's majority shareholder in 2011 before acquiring 100 per cent of the Londoners in 2018.
Arsenal have struggled to compete with the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea during Kroenke's ownership - leading to protests among fans. This was most evident after the failed European Super League plot in April 2021.
Kroenke signed Arsenal up to the doomed project, which aimed to create a closed shop of elite European clubs. Fans wanted Kroenke to sell up, but he resisted. The club now seems to be heading in the right direction under manager Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal are eight points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League having played a game more. They have a great chance of winning a first league title in 19 years this season and seem certain to end their seven-year exile from the Champions League.
Kroenke told supporters after the board changes, " This is a simple evolution as part of us all driving Arsenal forward and further reaffirms our family’s long-standing commitment to this great club. Stability in football has never been more important as we move past the pandemic, and we believe this is the perfect time to formalise these roles.
"Our objectives and ambition will never waver - to field teams that compete for trophies at the highest level and lead our club in a way that inspires our passionate supporters around the world. Supported by our director, Phil Harris, and together with our executive team and all our wonderful people, we have an incredible opportunity to build on the values and traditions of Arsenal Football Club."
