Chris Sutton admits he is baffled by Edu’s Arsenal exit, he raised a very interesting question

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Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton has now given his verdict on Edu Gaspar’s Arsenal exit.

On Wednesday, Edu Gaspar resigned as Arsenal sporting director, having been in the post since the summer of 2019.

Edu’s departure came as a shock to Arsenal, who had expected the Brazilian to remain in the role for at least another year.

The process of replacing the former midfielder will now begin. Meanwhile, Edu is joining Evangelos Marinakis’ team having been lured away from Arsenal with the promise of more power and a pay rise from the Nottingham Forest owner.

• READ MORE: Who is Edu Gaspar? Everything you need to know about the ex-Arsenal player turned director

Chris Sutton makes admission after Edu Gaspar leaves Arsenal

Edu’s exit has left a great deal of uncertainty at the Emirates Stadium.

Whilst there are reasons for Arsenal fans to be excited about what the future holds, it is also true that plenty of questions remain.

BBC pundit Chris Sutton has raised one of these questions himself.

Speaking on the Monday Night Club podcast, he said: “Yeah, I am surprised. Very, very surprised. Edu, of course, will have his own reasons for it. Surprised because, does it mean that he was disgruntled enough at Arsenal in terms of a lack of ambition? 

“I don’t know why he’s left Arsenal, but you think Arsenal are moving in the right direction. His relationship with Arteta seemed very tight, and seemed really important. It’s actually a blow for Arsenal.”

What does Edu’s exit say about Arsenal?

Mikel Arteta has lost a real ally with Edu’s resignation, perhaps weakening his own position at the club.

A new sporting director will mean a change of direction in terms of transfer strategy, and the incoming appointment will also have to forge a working relationship with the Spanish coach, which could cause friction in and of itself.

As such, it is fair to say that Arsenal’s Premier League title-winning ambitions are under threat, particularly with Edu vacating his post so close to the January transfer window opening.

The Gunners’ plans for that market will now be up in the air, making it harder for the Gunners to get the business they need to get done in order to launch a bid for the title this season over the line.

Perhaps Edu felt himself that Arsenal were moving further away from a title triumph, and that played a part in his decision to jump ship.