Arsenal have agreed a deal for Edu to return to the club as technical director, Goal understands.
After failing to land primary target Monchi in March, the Gunners turned their attentions to their former midfielder - who made 127 appearances for the club between 2001 and 2005.
And talks with the 40-year-old, who is currently general co-ordinator for the Brazil national side, have proved successful - with Edu having agreed to return to north London following the completion of this summer’s Copa America.
Reports in Brazil state that the national team have now started the process of finding a replacement.
Edu first arrived at Arsenal in 2001 and spent four successful seasons at the club, winning two league titles and three FA Cups.
He left for Valencia in 2005 but struggled with injuries throughout his time in Spain. A stint back in Brazil with Corinthians followed before he retired in 2010.
The Brazilian was appointed Corinthians' director of football in March 2011 and assisted Iran coach Carlos Queiroz during the 2014 World Cup before taking up his role with the Brazilian national team in 2016.
As general co-ordinator Edu looks after the national teams, overseeing all age groups and is considered a key ally of head coach Tite and someone who has input in squad selection.
He has been on Arsenal’s radar for some time, even before they moved for Monchi, with the north London club first having made an enquiry to talk with their former player in January.
Getty ImagesAt the time, however, Edu opted to stay in his role with the national team - but his stance has now changed following further discussions with head of football Raul Sanllehi.
Once in place, Edu will work alongside Sanllehi overseeing all technical aspects of the club, from player recruitment and contract renewals to coaching practises and the academy.
Goal understands it is, however, looking increasingly likely that Francis Cagigao will receive a permanent promotion to the position of head of recruitment.
Cagigao, currently head of international recruitment, has been doing the role on a temporary basis following the departure of Sven Mislintat in February - who left after being overlooked for the technical director role.
The 49-year-old is highly respected within the club having served as a youth player during the 1980s before returning as a scout more than a decade ago and working closely with Arsene Wenger.
Cagigao has been playing a key role in Arsenal’s transfer plans for the summer, leading the deal which will see teenage Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli arrive for £6m from Ituna.
He will continue to work with Sanllehi and chief negotiator Huss Fahmy on the club’s summer business before Edu’s expected arrival in July.
Arsenal refused to comment on Edu’s return to north London when contacted by Goal.