November 4 – Arsenal are preparing for a major shift with sporting director Edu Gaspar poised to join up with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis and his network of clubs.
This potential move could see the Brazilian take on a senior recruitment role within Marinakis’s sports empire, overseeing talent strategy for Nottingham Forest, Greek club Olympiacos, and Portuguese side Rio Ave.
Following this weekend’s action, Marinakis’s Nottingham Forest sit one point ahead of Arsenal, rising to third place after an outstanding start to the season.
Edu’s departure marks the loss of a key figure for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who has relied on his close collaboration in building Arsenal’s competitive squad.
Since taking on the role in 2019, Edu has been instrumental in transforming Arsenal into one of Europe’s most efficient clubs in the transfer market, securing high-impact signings like Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice and refining the roster with exits like that of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
His expertise has helped to elevate Arsenal to Premier League title contenders, reshaping the club’s strategic approach to player acquisitions and overall squad management.
Edu’s anticipated move forces a reshuffle at a crucial time for Arsenal, as they look to build momentum in their pursuit of Manchester City’s Premier League dominance and Liverpool early season table lead. The transition will likely require a realignment in the club’s leadership structure to maintain their competitive edge and strategic coherence.
The 46-year-old has been on record about his pride in shifting the culture at the Emirates and “changing how people see our club and the vision people have of Arsenal compared to the past.”
Edu maintained winning was not enough for Arsenal and their style was also paramount to their success.
“I want to win the best way possible,” he said. “When we win the trophy, it is because we did it the right way. Ask every single Arsenal fan how they feel about that.”
Arsenal suffered a setback to their pursuit of the Premier League title on Saturday, losing 1-0 at St James’s Park thanks to an early goal by Newcastle striker Alexander Isak. Caught in a bad run of form, the Gunners will hope to turn things around against Inter at the San Siro in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
They return to Premier League action versus Chelsea on Sunday.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734952278labto1734952278ofdlr1734952278owedi1734952278sni@g1734952278niwe.1734952278yrrah1734952278