Arsenal Football Club announced on Tuesday the departure of Edu Gaspar, the Brazilian sporting director who played a pivotal role in reshaping the team over the last four years.
Edu, a former Arsenal midfielder, returned to the North London club in 2019 as technical director and was promoted to sporting director in 2022, a role in which he oversaw strategic signings and guided the club’s long-term vision.
The 46-year-old was instrumental in bringing in key talents who helped revitalize Arsenal, including team captain Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Declan Rice.
Perhaps his most significant influence came in 2019 with the appointment of Mikel Arteta as head coach, a decision credited with shaping Arsenal’s competitive resurgence. Arteta, who was mentored and supported by Edu, has been a central figure in Arsenal’s push back into the Premier League’s upper echelon.
“This was an incredibly hard decision to make,” Edu stated. “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.”
He expressed particular gratitude for his working relationship with Arteta, calling him a “great friend,” and praised colleagues across Arsenal’s men’s, women’s, and academy teams.
Reflecting on his legacy, Edu emphasized his ongoing support for Arsenal, saying, “Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”
While Edu and Arsenal did not disclose specific reasons for his departure, reports in British media have suggested he may be considering an executive role with Evangelos Marinakis, the owner of Nottingham Forest as well as Greek club Olympiakos Piraeus and Portugal’s Rio Ave. If confirmed, Edu’s move would mark a new chapter in his career within European football management.
Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke extended his gratitude for Edu’s contributions, which he noted were “immense,” and pivotal to the club’s evolution.
“We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward,” Kroenke said. He added that Arsenal is prepared for change, signaling confidence in the club’s succession planning.
“Change and evolution are part of our club. We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.”
Under Edu’s tenure, Arsenal achieved back-to-back runner-up finishes in the Premier League over the past two seasons, narrowly trailing Manchester City. Currently, the team sits fifth in the league, with 18 points, seven behind leaders Liverpool.
Edu’s departure signals the end of a notable era, but Arsenal’s leadership has indicated it will stay the course in its quest for major titles—a goal that Edu’s strategic planning has put within reach.
