Arsenal sporting director Edu has resigned from his position and agreed a deal in principle to take up a role with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Precise details of the role are to be confirmed and a formal deal is still to be finalised, but Arsenal confirmed the news – understood to be entirely Edu’s decision – on Monday evening.
Club Statement: Edu Gaspar
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 4, 2024
Arsenal said in a statement: “Edu has resigned from his position as our sporting director.
“Edu, our former player and Invincible, re-joined us in the role of technical director in July 2019. He progressed through the club and was promoted to sporting director in November 2022, where he oversaw men’s, women’s and academy football.
“We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart.”
Arsenal are disappointed to see Edu go, but reports of a power struggle at the club are understood to be untrue. Edu wants to take on a new challenge and role after years in a sporting director/technical director capacity at club and international level.
He previously worked at Corinthians and Brazil in a similar position. The role he would be taking on under Marinakis is not a role many football organisations have.
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.”
Marinakis’ group of clubs includes Forest, Olympiacos and Rio Ave – and, in the future, potentially a fourth club they are looking to buy in Europe.
