Who is Thiago Scuro? Arsenal target Brazilian as Edu replacement race intensifies

Arsenal are considering making AS Monaco chief executive Thiago Scuro their next sporting director, according to reports. The Gunners are looking to find a replacement for Edu, who announced his departure earlier this month.

Edu, 46, re-joined Arsenal in 2019 and had spent the last two years as sporting director, helping transform the Gunners - alongside Mikel Arteta - to a Premier League title-chasing team. However, the Brazilian has now taken the decision to leave the North London club.

The Gunners need to find Edu's successor. It's understood Arteta is set to have a say in deciding the club's next sporting director, though managing director Richard Garlick and executive vice-chair Tim Lewis will lead the process. The topic is set to be on the agenda during a meeting with the Kroenke family in the coming days.

And someone that has emerged as a potential candidate is Monaco chief Scuro. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Scuro is being considered for the role having impressed suitors with his work in Ligue 1. But who is he? Here, football.london take a look at his career and background...

Scuro arrived at Monaco from RB Bragantino at the start of last season. Alongside Paul Mitchell, who recruited Scuro, he appointed Adi Hutter as manager, whilst also bringing in the likes of Denis Zakaria, Folarin Balogun, and Thilo Kehrer. His managerial choice, as well as well as the recruitment, is currently proving successful.

Monaco finished second in Ligue 1 last season, securing a return to the Champions League. This term, Les Monegasques are second in the French top-flight and unbeaten in Europe with three wins in their first four games. Before the international break, Monaco beat Strasbourg 3-1.

It's claimed that Scuro has grown a reputation as a 'tough negotiator', with a philosophy centred around 'organisation', 'human relations' and fostering a 'sense of belonging'.

Scuro, who initially joined as sporting director before assuming the role of CEO amid an organisational reshuffle, is seen as a big part of Monaco's current success. It's no surprise that Arsenal are interested in Scuro, with his name for sure in the frame to replace Edu as their next sporting director.

Join the football.london Arsenal WhatsApp channel

Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london's dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!

By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.

To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!

If you're curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.