Arsenal are set to undergo a huge change behind the scenes after confirmation broke that Edu Gaspar will be leaving the club.
The Brazilian played for the Gunners between 2001 and 2005, featuring during two Premier League title-winning campaigns.
He left for a new challenge but eventually returned to the Emirates Stadium as the technical director, responsible for key decisions.
An improvement in the squad at Arsenal saw a promotion awarded to Edu as he became the club’s director of football.
The former midfielder oversaw the transfer business and helped the club regain their place competing at the very top.
However, after five years, it appears as though the director is set to move on and will prompt a shuffle behind the scenes at Arsenal.
- READ MORE: Who is Edu Gaspar? Everything you need to know about the ex-Arsenal player turned director
Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar comment on Arsenal exit
With the news now confirmed by Arsenal that Edu will be leaving the club, there is finally broken silence from the key parties involved.
In a club statement, Edu said: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make.
“Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history.
“It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.
“I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend.
“Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”
Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke added: “We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.
“Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.
“Change and evolution is a part of our club. We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.”
The hunt for a new director of football at Arsenal will now commence, with some huge decisions to be made on the position.
- READ MORE: Arsenal fans are all left saying the same thing about Edu Gaspar as ‘shocking’ update emerges
Edu Gaspar’s Arsenal legacy
In the five years that he spent at Arsenal in the boardroom, Edu has had a huge influence on the change that has come on the pitch.
From a club in disarray to one pushing in the same direction, the impact of the director’s work cannot be understated.
Working alongside Arteta, the Brazilian has signed the right characters for the squad, with a clear emphasis on improving the team while lowering the average age.
From that comes a young and hungry squad willing to push for silverware in every single competition available yet.
It may be unfortunate that Edu never quite got that league title or big cup victory that perhaps backed up the work that has been done.
With the foundations firmly set, the next director of football will have a huge task in taking the Gunners to the next level.
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