Edu’s Arsenal exit considered ‘strange’ as excuse emerges over why he’s resigned
Edu Gaspar left his role as Arsenal's sporting director this week and could well take up a position under Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, where he would oversee more clubs
by Ben Crawford · The MirrorEdu Gaspar may have stepped down from his Arsenal sporting director role potentially due to the overwhelming allure of Evangelos Marinakis' multi-club model, claims Ian Wright.
The Brazilian announced earlier this week that he'd be seeking pastures new, having guided the Gunners into a new era under Mikel Arteta and played his part in the transformative signings of players like Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and William Saliba.
Upon his resignation, Edu revealed it was "time to pursue a different challenge" – and all roads seem to point towards him joining forces with Nottingham Forest owner Marinakis, who also calls the shots at Olympiacos and Rio Ave.
Wright speculates that the chance to wield influence within a footballing dynasty, not just a solitary club, might have been too tempting for Edu to overlook.
"Edu announcing he was leaving was a massive surprise a bolt from the blue, in respect of where Arsenal are trying to go and what he's done with Mikel Arteta to get them there," Wright stated, speaking to ex-West Ham and Manchester United boss David Moyes on the Stick to Football podcast brought to you by Sky Bet.
"He's gone to a place with a multi-club system, which is something Arsenal can't offer him. [He has the opportunity] to run his footballing business.
"Edu is going to be more than a technical director for those clubs. I put myself in this position, and I probably would do the same, simply because it's a better opportunity for me."
While it's yet to be confirmed if Edu will take up a role within Marinakis' ranks, ex-West Ham manager Moyes remains baffled by the ex-sporting director's departure from the Emirates – particularly given the Gunners' continued hopes of Premier League glory, reports the Express.
"I thought it was strange that he [Edu] would leave Arsenal in the position they're in, getting closer to winning a Premier League title over the past couple of years," Moyes remarked to Wright.
"It looked like he had a really strong relationship with Mikel Arteta as well, which is not easy getting those relationships with the owners or managers can be difficult, and I thought they worked really well together.
"I don't know who makes all the signings at Arsenal, I'm sure the manager would get the final say, but Edu has played a big part with the players he's brought in."
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