Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar is set to leave the club, a source has told ESPN. Edu joined Arsenal in July 2019 as technical director and led a culture shift at the club that saw Mikel Arteta hired as manager and the side battle for the Premier League title. Edu was later promoted to sporting director in November 2022. It is unclear when he will leave the club though a source has told ESPN that it could be imminent.
The Brazilian’s tenure as director came after a four-year playing career between 2001 and 2005, during which he won the Premier League title in 2001-02 and 2003-04 under Arsene Wenger. Sources have told ESPN that Edu has been approached by Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis to lead their multi-club group with an offer that would include a considerably increased salary. Arsenal suffered their second Premier League loss in three games on Saturday, falling to a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St. James’ Park. That result followed a home draw with Liverpool and a 2-0 reverse at Bournemouth.
Edu’s departure comes as a surprise to Arsenal, given his close alignment with Arteta’s vision that transformed Arsenal from missing Champions League qualification to becoming a Premier League contender.