Former Arsenal midfielder Edu Gaspar 'accepts offer' to become sporting director at the Emirates on five-year deal

The ex-Gunner is currently general manager of the Brazil national team

Former Arsenal midfielder Edu Gaspar has agreed a return to the club as its new technical director, according to reports in Brazil.

The 40-year-old executive, who impressed first as sporting director of Corinthians before taking up a job with the national team, has reportedly signed a five-year deal with the Gunners to oversee their footballing operation.

UOL in Brazil say that he will assume the post after this summer's Copa America, which concludes on July 7th.

The club have declined to comment.

Arsenal have been on the lookout for a technical director since deciding to revamp their footballing hierarchy in the wake of Arsene Wenger's departure. Head of recruitment Sven Mislintat had been pegged for the role , but walked away from the cluib when it became clear that head of football operations Raul Sanllehi wanted to go in another direction.

Mislintat's departure has been covered by Sanllehi and an increased role for Huss Fahmy, among others.

The intention was always to hire someone for the role in a full-time capacity, however, and after contact with former Roma and Sevilla executive Monchi as well as Ajax technical director Marc Overmars , Edu became the number one target.

Edu's CV has been impressive since leaving behind an injury-plagued playing career. During his time at Corinthians the club won the Copa Libertadores, South America's equivalent of the Champions League.

Since assuming a role within the Brazil set-up, the Selecao has been revived under the coaching of Tite, who also worked under Edu at Corinthians.

The Brazilians are favourites to win the Copa America on home soil this summer, in what would be a perfect send-off for the 40-year-old with a burgeoning reputation.