Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar set to leave club

Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar is set to leave the club, LondonWorld understands.

His departure has taken the Gunners by surprise, and the reason for his exit remains unclear.

A key figure in Arsenal’s recent rebuilding efforts, the former Arsenal midfielder has been instrumental in the club's transfer strategy, overseeing player acquisitions and supporting manager Mikel Arteta's vision.

Edu’s leadership role saw Arsenal recruit a blend of young talent and experienced players, aiming to make the club competitive at the highest level. He was part of the technical team which helped Arsenal win two FA Cups under Arteta.

Since joining as technical director in 2019, Edu has played a pivotal role in transforming the club's fortunes. Under his guidance, Arsenal adopted a forward-thinking recruitment strategy, bringing in players who align with manager Mikel Arteta’s tactical philosophy while also focusing on long-term development.

Key signings made under Edu’s watch include Gabriel Martinelli, Ben White and Martin Ødegaard - players who have significantly contributed to the club's return to top-tier competitiveness.

One of Edu’s standout achievements was revamping the club's transfer policy. He aimed to strike a balance between youthful prospects and experienced players, enabling the Gunners to build a squad that could compete immediately and still have room to grow.

Edu’s tenure also saw the club strengthen its academy-to-first-team pathway, with talents like Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri flourishing under Arsenal's new approach.

It’s expected that an announcement on Edu’s future club will be made in the coming weeks.