New Delhi: It has been announced that Edu Gaspar, the sporting director for Arsenal, would be departing the club. The Brazilian has been out of action with Arsenal since July 2019. He played with the Gunners from 2001 to 2005, including their renowned Invincible season. On July 9, 2019, he became Arsenal’s first-ever technical director. Raul Sanllehi, the team’s director of football at the time, said, “We’re very excited that Edu is joining the team.”
After Vinai Venkatesham and Jack Wilshere left the Gunners in recent months, the Brazilian is the most recent player to go. Although there is currently no official explanation for Edu’s upcoming exit, it has been suggested that a shift in the club’s power structure may have played a role. It is well known that the former midfield player is departing on his own terms. Edu is also thought to have been considered for a key position in Evangelos Marinakis’ group of clubs, which also includes Premier League team Nottingham Forest and Greek giants Olympiacos.
What has been the reaction all around?
🚨 Edu Gaspar will leave Arsenal as plan will be confirmed soon, he’ll leave his director position at the club.
👀 Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos owner Marinakis has always wanted Edu as a top target to coordinate the group. pic.twitter.com/3Vrmzqwg4L
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 4, 2024
In addition to shocking the Arsenal supporters, the news of Edu’s departure caused a great deal of division in opinion, leaving many feeling quite uneasy. During the club’s reconstruction, Edu worked closely with manager Mikel Arteta and was seen as a key player in the change in culture that the Spaniard brought to the North London team.
However, he has also come under fire. Although he had a significant role in the acquisition of players like Declan Rice, the Gunners’ club record signing, and club captain Martin Odegaard, among others, he has also been responsible for what some Arsenal supporters believe to be failures throughout his time.
For instance, many have blamed the Brazilian for the Gunners’ inability to acquire a top striker when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left, while others have cited Raheem Sterling’s recent loan signing as evidence of his subpar business. Above all, Edu has come under fire for the players he hasn’t signed; notable examples include Lisandro Martinez, Mykhailo Mudryk, Joan Garcia, and Nico Williams.
Edu Gaspar- one of the best sporting directors
Fabrizio Romano presenting Edu Gaspar with ‘Best Sporting Director in Europe’ Award
£19m for Mikel Merino, £33m for Riccardo Calafiori😊 pic.twitter.com/u3xkjwaq4F
— UpYourArsenal🔴⚪🔴⚪♥️ (@UPYOURARSENAL04) August 10, 2024
Edu has undoubtedly excelled in contract negotiations; during his tenure at the club, he assisted in securing some of the most notable extensions for Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Martin Ødegaard, and even Aubameyang. Not withstanding the criticism from fans, Edu is regarded by professionals in the field as one of the top sporting directors. He was promoted from his first position with Arsenal and took home the award for “Best European Director” in 2023 Golden Boy awards ceremony.
Although there is now no clear favorite to succeed the departing Edu, whose departure date is expected to be finalized in the next few hours, it is crucial that Arsenal select the proper person.
