Arsenal sporting director Edu resigns from post
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Would it be a significant setback for Arsenal if they lost Edu? (1:10)
Gab and Juls talk about the influence of Arsenal's director of football, Edu Gaspar. (1:10)
James Olley, a senior writer for ESPN FC, reported on November 4, 2024, at 9:45 AM.
Arsenal's sporting director, Edu Gaspar, has stepped down from his position, as announced by the club in a statement on Monday.
Edu came on board with Arsenal in July 2019 as the technical director and played a key role in transforming the club's culture, which led to the appointment of Mikel Arteta as manager. Under this new direction, the team competed for the Premier League title over the last two seasons. In November 2022, Edu was elevated to the position of the club's first-ever sporting director.
The Brazilian served as director after spending four years as a player from 2001 to 2005. During that time, he celebrated Premier League victories in the 2001-02 and 2003-04 seasons while under the management of Arsene Wenger.
According to information obtained by ESPN, Edu has been contacted by Evangelos Marinakis, the owner of Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos, to take charge of their multi-club organization. The proposal includes a significant salary bump.
Sources indicated that discussions are significantly progressed, with Edu showing a strong interest in accepting the role.
Edu informed senior officials at Arsenal's London Colney training facility about his decision on Monday morning, according to sources from ESPN. Many were taken aback by this choice, especially considering the significant part he has played in revitalizing the north London club.
According to a source, it's uncertain at this point if there are any conditions related to his exit that might prevent him from starting a new job.
"This was an exceptionally tough choice to come to," Edu shared. "Arsenal has allowed me to collaborate with incredible individuals and be involved in such a significant moment in the club's history."
I have truly enjoyed collaborating with a number of amazing coworkers from our men's, women's, and academy teams. Mikel [Arteta], in particular, has become a close friend.
"It's time for me to take on a new challenge. Arsenal will always hold a special place in my heart. I sincerely wish the club and its fans nothing but the best and all good things in the future."
Josh Kroenke, co-chair of Arsenal, expressed in a statement: "We appreciate Edu's choice and are grateful for his significant efforts and commitment to progressing the club."
Everyone at the club is rooting for him. We all really care about him and appreciate the uplifting spirit he shares with everything and everyone around him.
"Change and growth are fundamental aspects of our club. We are committed to our goals and to securing significant victories. Our plan for the future will demonstrate our ongoing dedication to this ambition."
On Saturday, Arsenal experienced their second loss in three Premier League matches, losing 1-0 to Newcastle United at St. James' Park. This defeat comes after they managed to secure a draw at home against Liverpool and were beaten 2-0 by Bournemouth.
The anticipated return of captain Martin Ødegaard from his ankle injury is likely to lift the spirits of the north London club as they approach an important week. They will face Inter Milan at San Siro on Wednesday, followed by a match against Enzo Maresca's Chelsea on Sunday.
Arteta's squad currently sits in fifth place in the league, trailing the leaders Liverpool by seven points.
