Arsenal is prepared to take up to six months to find a replacement for Edu as sporting director, with his deputy, Jason Ayto, stepping in during the transition period. Mikel Arteta acknowledged that Edu's departure came as a surprise to the club, noting that "everything happened very quickly." Edu is expected to join the multi-club network owned by Nottingham Forest's Evangelos Marinakis, reportedly earning £5 million a year. He is currently entering a six-month notice period with diminished responsibilities as Arsenal begins the search for his successor. Arteta is anticipated to play a significant role in the appointment process.