Arsenal are believed to view former Atletico Madrid director Andrea Berta as their frontrunner to take over from Edu at the Emirates, according to reports.
Mail Sport exclusively revealed that the Brazilian was set to leave the north London club in November, after declining a lucrative new deal to extend his tenure at Arsenal.
Edu was hired as the club's first technical director in 2019 before his promotion to sporting director, and had been instrumental, alongside manager Mikel Arteta, in building up the side into the title contenders for multiple seasons.
Upon the announcement of his shock departure, it was revealed that the executive will link up with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis to work with his network of clubs, which includes Greek big beasts Olympiacos.
Arsenal promoted Edu's No 2, Jason Ayto, to interim director after the start of the former Gunners midfielder's gardening leave, but were thought to be considering a number of candidates to fill the decision on a permanent basic.
Among those up for consideration was, reportedly, another former Arsenal ace: Tomas Rosicky, who is currently in the same role at Sparta Prague.
But as per Fabrizio Romano, Berta's candidacy has stood out for the Arsenal hierarchy, with the Italian currently in advanced talks with the club - despite not yet signing any agreement with them.
Gunners fans will likely be reassured of his successful tenure at Atletico, with Berta joining the LaLiga side in 2017.
Berta was instrumental in bringing a number of top talents to the Spanish capital, including Antoine Griezmann, Rodri, and Jan Oblank.
The 53-year-old is also free to take the role, having left the club after bringing in a raft of eye-catching new recruits such as Julian Alvarez and Conor Gallagher.
Names thought to make up the club's shortlist alongside Berta are believed to include Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro, and former Man United sporting director Dan Ashworth, who was relieved of his job at Old Trafford after just five months.
Another candidate under consideration is thought to be Sociedad sporting director Roberto Oblabe, who is set to leave his role at La Real at the end of the season, and is thought to be Arteta's preferred candidate for the position.
Replacing Edu will prove no easy task after the Brazilian made a strong impact both in terms of team arrivals, and departures, over the last five years.
The 46-year-old also supported Arteta with the offloading of problematic squad players, such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, after he had his contract with the Gunners terminated.
Speaking after his announcement last year, Edu shared an emotional message on the club's website outlining why it was time for him to resign.
He said: 'This was an incredibly hard decision to make. Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club's history.
'It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they've given me.
'I've loved working with so many great colleagues across our men's, women's and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend.
'Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.'
