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Edu Gaspar had planned to link Arsenal to a Brazilian club before seeing the idea shot down by the Gunners leadership above him.

That’s according to journalist Jorge Nicola, who says Edu is now completing the task for Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis in his new role for him.

Edu left his role at Arsenal sporting director on 4 November after five years with the club, first acting as their technical director for three years before becoming sporting director.

That came after various spells at clubs after the end of his playing career that saw him act as director of football for Corinthians, an advisor to Iran and then team coordinator for Brazil before joining Arsenal.

He is currently officially out of work but is expected to take up a role heading Evangelos Marinakis’ footballing operation, which currently comprises of Nottingham Forest, Rio Ave and Olympiacos.

Recent reports have indicated Marinakis is seeking to buy a Brazilian club also and Nicola reported today that it is Edu who is heading up this process.

And he’s now revealed the idea for him was actually borne at Arsenal, where he drew up a shortlist of clubs they could collaborate with.

“Edu had, last season, while still working with Arsenal, mapped eight Brazilian clubs,” he said.

“He had the opportunity and the idea of establishing a relationship between Arsenal and a Brazilian club. This idea ended up not advancing due to the opinion of Arsenal’s managers.”