Arsenal were met with the news of Edu Gaspar’s resignation as sporting director earlier this week.
Edu Gaspar has turned his back on Arsenal, having been with the North London club in this leadership capacity since the summer of 2019.
Edu was prised away from Arsenal by Evangelos Maranakis, owner of Nottingham Forest and other clubs.
The Gunners will now have to adapt to life without the Brazilian as part of their leadership team.
- READ MORE: Who is Edu Gaspar? Everything you need to know about the ex-Arsenal player turned director
Ian Wright and Gary Neville debate Edu Gaspar’s Arsenal departure
Speaking on Stick to Football, Ian Wright and Gary Neville did not see eye-to-eye when it came to the sporting director’s Emirates Stadium walkout.
The Arsenal legend admitted: “Edu leaving was a massive surprise, a bolt from the blue, in respect of where Arsenal are trying to go, where they’re getting to, and what he’s done with Mikel to get them there. For him to leave now, it’s disappointing.
“He’s gone to a place with multi-owned clubs, which is something Arsenal can’t offer him… He’s gone somewhere that he’s got Nottingham Forest, he’s got Rio Ave, and he’s got Olympiakos. It’s a massive job.”
Neville responded: “No it’s not. I’m not having that. Arsenal football club, leaving Arsenal.”
Wright insisted: “It’s a different kind of job, in respect of what he wants to do. I get what you’re saying in the sense of Arsenal trying to win the league and then hopefully the Champions League.”
The Manchester United icon replied: “If the sporting director of my club, and Arsenal are a massive club, left for Nottingham Forest, Olympiakos, Rio Ave, I’d be gutted…I was shocked. To go and work with Olympiakos and Nottingham Forest over Arsenal, and not see it through and win the league with them.”
Wright argued: “It’s the individual, and the opportunity that’s come up for him… To run the whole of his football business, to be more than just a technical director… If I looked at it like you do I’d probably be angry.”
Neville added: “I’m finding it immensely strange… To go and leave Arsenal… I find that strange.”
Former West Ham United boss David Moyes sided with Neville, chipping in with: “I have to say I agree.”
What does Edu’s exit mean for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta?
Mikel Arteta has explained how Arsenal will replace Edu, though the identity of the individual who will succeed the former midfielder in this vital role within the club is yet to be determined.
The manager will now have to adapt too. Edu was one of Arteta’s great allies at Arsenal, even helping to protect the Spanish coach’s job when he came under pressure earlier on in his reign.
Arteta may now find that his own position at the Emirates Stadium is somewhat less stable following his friend’s departure, especially given the Gunners’ recent poor form. Whoever Edu’s replacement turns out to be, it will be vital that Arteta can quickly strike up an effective working relationship with them.
Meanwhile, this unexpected change may also have thrown the club’s transfer plans into disarray, particularly with regard to the upcoming January transfer window. Other figures in the club will now need to step up during negotiations to ensure that Arsenal don’t miss out on top targets.
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