[Abigail Philip David]
Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu Gaspar, is expected to leave the club, potentially joining Evangelos Marinakis’ multi-club network, which includes Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos, and Rio Ave.
Multiple reports on Monday indicate that Edu, who has played a key role in Arsenal’s transfer strategy and team development since 2019, is likely moving on to a fresh challenge within Marinakis’ group. Sky Sports News suggests that Marinakis, who is reportedly looking to expand his portfolio with a fourth European club, views Edu as an ideal candidate for a prominent role in coordinating his network.
Edu’s time at Arsenal saw him oversee significant signings, including Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, and part ways with high-profile players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil. Since his arrival, Arsenal has invested £867 million in the squad, ranking third in Premier League spending behind Chelsea and Manchester United. The club has also claimed an FA Cup title and finished as Premier League runners-up in two consecutive seasons.
Reports from The Independent highlight that Edu’s departure will mark a major shift within Arsenal’s transfer department. Sources suggest his decision was self-initiated, possibly due to recent changes in responsibilities among the club’s senior figures.
More details on Edu’s future are expected within the next 24 hours, with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta anticipated to address the situation during Tuesday’s pre-match press conference for their Champions League tie against AC Milan.
Edu initially returned to Arsenal in 2019 after serving as general coordinator for the Brazilian Football Confederation, where he celebrated a Copa America victory. He was instrumental in modernizing the club’s structure after Arsène Wenger’s departure, managing first-team coaching, academy, and recruitment efforts. Edu’s promotion in 2022 made him Arsenal’s first-ever sporting director.
Throughout his tenure, Edu emphasized not just winning but doing so with style, stating, “Winning is not enough for Arsenal; style is paramount.”
The Daily Mail reports that finding a successor who can maintain Edu’s progress is now Arsenal’s immediate challenge.
Transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano confirmed Edu’s upcoming departure on his X page, writing, “Edu Gaspar will leave Arsenal, as the plan will be confirmed soon. Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos owner Marinakis has always wanted Edu as a top target to coordinate the group.”
