| Arsenal getting closer to takeover
Arsenal revealed this morning that Edelman is leaving in "search of a fresh challenge".
During his eight-year tenure, the managing director was responsible for overseeing the move from Highbury to Ashburton Grove - home of the Emirates Stadium - Emirates of course, along with Nike, being two mammoth sponsorship deals the chief also brokered for the club.
Edelman was also known as being strongly opposed to foreign takeover, when Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov and American Stan Kroenke were rumoured to be on the verge of making a move last summer.
His unrelenting opposition famously saw him in disagreement with then vice-chairman David Dein, who departed the club last year.
Dein's exit was one of many reasons for Thierry Henry's personally and professionally motivated move away from Arsenal to Barcelona, and with Edelman now out of the way and another year without a trophy at the Emirates, they may succumb to the pressure over the summer.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Arsenal," said Edelman upon announcing his departure.
"It has been a very exciting period for the business and I am proud to have contributed to the club's many off-field achievements over the past eight years, not least the Emirates Stadium project.
"Now that we have completed our second season at Emirates, I believe it is the right time to seek pastures new and embark upon fresh challenges."
Though Edelman's resignation is final, he "will be retained by the club for a 12-month period to ensure a smooth transition takes place".
Ken Friar, who was Edelman's predecessor as managing director for a massive 18 years, is being linked with a return to the post as his successor.
This could be the start of a very exciting summer for arsenal.. what ye guys think. |