Edu Gaspar, Arsenal’s highly regarded sporting director, is reportedly set to leave the club amid interest from Evangelos Marinakis' multi-club network, which includes Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos, and Rio Ave.
Reports surfaced on Monday indicating that Edu, who has been instrumental in reshaping Arsenal’s transfer strategy and on-field identity since rejoining in 2019, is expected to take on a new challenge within Marinakis' expanding group of clubs.
Since his arrival at Arsenal, Edu has overseen high-profile signings like Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, while helping to offload stars such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil.
His management has coincided with a significant period of investment; Arsenal has spent £867 million on player acquisitions, placing it among the highest spenders in the Premier League, with only Chelsea and Manchester United outspending them. Under his guidance, the club clinched an FA Cup title and emerged as Premier League runners-up for the past two seasons, showcasing a revitalized squad and a competitive edge.
The 46-year-old’s departure marks a significant shakeup within Arsenal’s transfer department, as he has been pivotal to the club’s transformation in recent years. The move, according to sources including The Independent, appears to be self-initiated, with changes to the responsibilities of senior figures at Arsenal thought to have contributed to his decision. His departure is expected to leave a notable gap, with Arsenal facing the challenge of finding a successor who can sustain the momentum Edu has fostered.
Edu’s career with Arsenal began when he joined the club as a midfielder, playing a key role in the legendary 2003/04 Invincibles squad. He returned in 2019, leaving his post as general coordinator for the Brazilian Football Confederation where he celebrated a Copa America victory to help modernize Arsenal’s football operations.
In 2022, Edu was promoted to become Arsenal’s first-ever sporting director, where he championed the importance of not just winning, but winning with style. “Winning is not enough for Arsenal; style is paramount,” he once stated, emphasizing his vision to build a team that would resonate with fans.
Details on Edu’s exit and future role within Marinakis’ group are expected to emerge within the next 24 hours, with manager Mikel Arteta anticipated to address the situation at his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash with AC Milan at the San Siro.
Football transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news on his social media, saying, “Edu Gaspar will leave Arsenal, as the 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.”
As Arsenal readies itself for the next chapter, Edu’s exit signals both the end of an influential era and the beginning of new leadership challenges at the Emirates.