Arsenal are set to announce the appointment of former midfielder Edu Gaspar as their new technical director after negotiations over his terms made significant progress.
The 41-year-old Brazilian spent five years playing for Arsenal and was part of their famous 'Invincibles' side in the 2003-2004 season.
He was first linked with the role last month , and it now appears only a matter of time until he is officially confirmed by the club.
He is currently the national team co-ordinator at the Brazilian football federation, and is likely to join the Gunners when the team's participation in the Copa America ends.
The tournament, which Brazil are hosting, starts on Saturday and runs until July 8, meaning it may still be a few weeks until Edu can begin his new role, especially as Brazil are considered the favourites for the tournament.
The CBF are reportedly not demanding any compensation, and will let Edu leave without any bad feeling.
His role will involve having a say in recruitment and defining the footballing philosophy of the club across age groups, including the first-team, reports Football.London.
Speaking about the job last month head of football Raul Sanllehi said: "The technical director has to bring [together] the sporting philosophy of the club. The head coach is more the short-term vision, the technical director has to safeguard the medium and long-term.
"That person needs to be in very close contact with the first-team coach and have his total trust, know the first-team from in and out, knowing what's coming from the academy. If he knows a big talent is coming from the academy he can already prepare the head coach.
"He needs to take care of all the market, the scouting and agents."
The confirmation of Edu in the role will come as a boost for Arsenal after their first-choice, Monchi, snubbed a move in order to go back to Sevilla.
