In recent months, Edu has been linked to Nottingham Forest’s multi-club ownership model. Edu resigned from his position at Arsenal last month, stating that it was “time to pursue a different challenge,” and Marinakis has recently been linked to Brazilian team Vasco da Gama. Marinakis also owns Greek team Olympiacos and Portuguese top-flight club Rio Ave. Marinakis has acknowledged that he is “very optimistic” about working with former Arsenal sporting director Edu in the future.

“Edu was a very good player as well as a very good sporting and technical director,” the 57-year-old shipping magnate told Sky Sports. He is someone I greatly admire. All I can tell is that I want to work with him on a far larger project—one that is global in scope.

“I’m hopeful that if everything works out, it will be another profitable endeavour for us both. I have a lot of hope for it, but we must wait and see how it develops and is completed, if and when time permits.

According to reports, Marinakis is eager to bring his multi-club concept to Italy and Brazil. “There are discussions, and what I can say is whatever I want to,” he stated.

“The tradition is very important and it always makes more sense to me to manage or to own. But in big clubs where we’re talking about millions of supporters, you don’t consider it as ownership.

“I am unable to say that I “purchased” Nottingham Forest or Olympiacos. This is a big thing. I don’t see it as a business because it’s for all the fans and millions of individuals.

At a news conference prior to Saturday night’s match against Manchester United, Marinakis reaffirmed his goal to make Forest a top-six Premier League team, and head coach Nuno Espirito Santo addressed the Greek billionaire’s ambitious goals. Nuno stated: “I believe he captured the essence of the man we know, his aspirations, and his drive to develop and get better.” As best we can, we attempt to follow.

There is a great desire to qualify for a spot in Europe. Time is necessary for everything. We’re doing well at forming a squad and a team. Looking back, we can see that keeping our players (during the summer) was a wise decision for our stability and potential to develop.

We are currently working to get better every game. Since the team is the club’s motor, I give it my all so that we can move forward.