Arsenal are set for a big change behind the scenes as director of football Edu Gaspar is set to leave his role at the club for a new challenge.
The Brazilian, who played for the Gunners in the early 2000s, has been integral to the rebuild that has occurred at the club over the past five years.
The Emirates Stadium has seen an uplift in quality and results, with Mikel Arteta guiding the team towards the top of the Premier League once again.
While Edu has helped mastermind this process, the director of football is now set to make a huge change in an exit.
Recent reports state that Edu is set to leave Arsenal in search of something new, which will cause some changes in the background at the club.
With a new director of football likely to take his role, here’s a look at five things the incoming strategist must do upon their arrival.
- READ MORE: Who is Edu Gaspar? Everything you need to know about the ex-Arsenal player turned director
Arsenal contract situations
The first thing on the desk of the replacement for Edu will surround some contracts for Arsenal stars that are a priority.
In 2025, both Jorginho and Thomas Partey will see their deals expire to become free agents, though some decisions will have to be made over their future.
While the Italian international has hardly featured, which could see him move on, his midfield teammate has played in midfield and at right-back which could see him extend his stay.
In 2026, there are decisions to be made over Leandro Trossard, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney.
All four aren’t guaranteed starters and their places may be assessed closer to the expiration of their deals.
Goalkeeper transfer for Arsenal
The new sporting director will have the task of reshaping the goalkeeper department at Arsenal after some huge changes in the past year or two.
While David Raya appears to be the clear number one, an exit for Aaron Ramsdale left the Gunners without a clear backup option.
Edu made an effort to sign one permanently but had to settle for landing the experienced Neto on a one-year loan deal.
It leaves the squad with a longer-term issue when it comes to a second goalkeeper, which the new Arsenal director will have to take a look at.
- READ MORE: Edu Gaspar may have already found his next job after shock decision to turn his back on Arsenal
Arsenal transfer for world-class striker
If there’s one thing that Edu hasn’t quite managed in his time at Arsenal, it’s landing a striker that will make a key difference.
While Gabriel Jesus had an impact, his versatility and lack of cutting edge made him much less a centre-forward for the side and an all-round option for the forward line.
Kai Havertz has managed to impress with his impact since joining from Chelsea, but he also misses that edge in front of goal.
There are some big names available out there such as Benjamin Sesko and Victor Osimhen, while a move for Alexander Isak could signal some intent.
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