Arsenal release statement confirming Edu has RESIGNED as sporting director with Brazilian set to join Nottingham Forest
ARSENAL have announced that sporting director Edu Gaspar has left the club.
The chief has helped oversee the Gunners’ rise to title challengers under Mikel Arteta.
The former Arsenal player re-joined as their technical director in the summer of 2019 and was then promoted to sporting director two years ago.
He has decided to quit following talks about a hierarchy reshuffle.
The 46-year-old Brazilian is now considering taking up a role under Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ stable of clubs, which include Olympiacos in Greece and Rio Ave in Portugal.
Arsenal confirmed his resignation in a statement that read: “We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart. “
On his time at the club, Edu said: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make.
“Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history.
“It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.
“I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend.
“Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”
Co-chairman Josh Kroenke added: “We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.
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“Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.
“Change and evolution is a part of our club. We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.”
Edu could triple his salary by moving to oversee Marinakis’ football empire.
He has been credited for transforming Arsenal in recent years, being key to the appointment of Arteta.
Edu played a huge role in securing hit signings like William Saliba, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, while also seeing stars like Ben White and Bukayo Saka pen new contracts.
With Edu as Arsenal’s top chief, they have come runners-up to Manchester City twice.
How Edu made Arsenal great again
By Jack Rosser
EDU GASPAR has been on a mission to ‘Make Arsenal Great Again’ ever since returning to the club he played for 2019.
After a few wobbles early on – signing Nicolas Pepe will never reflect well – the Brazilian has, alongside Mikel Arteta, been crucial in the club’s transformation.
Arteta was brought in as the new manager within months of Edu’s return to North London and the former midfielder stuck by the boss when the pressure was on two years into the job.
Instead of making the knee-jerk decision to change manager again, the former Brazil international, joined forces with Arteta to institute a huge change of culture at The Emirates.
Overpaid toxic influences such as Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were purged from the dressing room and Arsenal set about adding strong characters.
Edu finally got the club competing in the transfer market again, with Martin Odegaard an outstanding capture for the club. In landing Declan Rice ahead of Manchester City last year Arsenal showed they couple compete for and sign some of Europe’s biggest talents once more.
Arsenal have become one of the most attractive clubs in the Premier League and one of the most efficient in the market.
While there have been big deals for the likes of Rice and Calafiori, there have been smart ones too – picking out value where others have lost hope.
Kai Havertz appeared as a surprising signing after a dreadful season at Chelsea. But after Edu gave the German space and support to rebuild his confidence he has developed into a fine asset for Arteta.
Edu does not only have a tight relationship with Arteta – who many fans will be glad signed a new deal before the sporting director’s departure – but the players too, always ready and waiting to check in, keep them going.
London Colney and The Emirates will feel a very different place for all of them without Edu.