A huge Arsenal update has emerged this morning concerning the future of supporting director Edu Gaspar.
Edu Gaspar has served as Arsenal sporting director since the summer of 2019.
The Brazilian has worked closely with Mikel Arteta throughout his tenure, overseeing the club’s transfer activity and helping to make the Gunners genuine Premier League title contenders again.
Edu has also worked with Per Mertesacker, head of the Hale End academy system, to bring bright young talents to the Emirates Stadium.
However, Edu is now set to leave Arsenal, having decided to stand down from his post. It is not yet clear what the full reasoning behind his impending departure is, or who will replace the former midfielder as the club’s sporting director.
News of the 46-year-old’s decision will certainly come as a blow to the manager, though. Edu backed Arteta through difficult periods, and the pair enjoyed a close working relationship.
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Arsenal fans react to Edu Gaspar exit news
This surprising news has left Arsenal fans on X reeling, and many are devastated by Edu’s decision.
One said: “Big loss for us. Always tried to get hold of Arteta’s choice over his own.”
Another supporter claimed: “This is going to be a huge loss for us.”
One admitted: “wow that’s not the news I wanted to wake up too.”
One fan added: “Whatever you think of the signings in the summer, Edu is a massive part of why Mikel Arteta has been able to bring Arsenal back to competing. They will now lose that. It’s bad news and people celebrating him leaving are strange.”
Another stated: “Wow – this is big news. Edu has played a key role in our recent success and regardless of what you think of him, is a major influence in almost everything that happens at Arsenal. Change doesn’t need to be a bad thing but very curious to know why it’s happening.”
One chipped in with: “Bit shocking to wake up and see that Edu is now leaving. Not great timing given the poor form around the club at the moment – feels unsettling. However, he did a great job in helping rebuild the club. We can always improve in that department, but depends who’s next in.”
- READ MORE: Who is Edu Gaspar? Everything you need to know about the ex-Arsenal player turned director
Edu Gaspar’s Arsenal legacy
Edu can leave the Emirates Stadium with his head held high.
As a player, he was an important figure for the club during the Gunners’ most successful period. Between 2001 and 2005, he made 127 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions.
The midfielder won two Premier League titles, and featured regularly for the ‘Invincibles’, who claimed the crown in 2004 without having lost a game all season. Edu also picked up three FA Cup winners’ medals.
In his role as sporting director he has helped to make the club truly competitive again, and was integral to several vital transfer deals that changes the landscape in North London, such as bringing Declan Rice to Arsenal in a club-record deal.
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