Edu truth revealed after resignation as final Arsenal transfer verdict delivered

Edu Gaspar's resignation as Arsenal's sporting director has left the vast majority of football.london readers worried about the long-term sustainability of the Premier League title challengers.

Mirroring Mikel Arteta's work from the dugout, Edu's contributions as sporting director have elevated Arsenal to new heights in recent seasons. His five years with the club have seen an overhaul of the player recruitment to craft a young side that grows in strength year by year, to the point now where they can compete for titles.

But ultimately that is all the Gunners have done. At the end 2022/23 campaign they faltered enough to allow Manchester City to get ahead in the final weeks, last season they were outmatched by the same opponent by a mere two points, and now with the team seven points adrift of current leaders Liverpool one of the key cogs in the machine has removed himself from the equation.

"This was an incredibly hard decision to make," Edu said in his parting statement. "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."

Arsenal co-owner Josh Kroenke also confirmed that he accepted the 46-year-old's decision and announced a successor would be appointed with winning trophies in mind.

"We respect Edu's decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward," Kroenke said. "Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.

"Change and evolution is a part of our club. We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition."

But will these events really lead be a positive outcome Kroenke desires? football.london readers were asked whether they believe Edu's abrupt exit is a good thing, and a strong 78 percent said no. Only 22 percent therefore believe it is positive.

This was reflected in the next questions put to football.london readers. The majority rate Edu's five years at the Emirates Stadium well, with 30 per cent saying he has been 'superb' whilst a further 54 per cent said he has been 'very good'. In the middle of the road, 13 per cent opted for 'solid, if not unspectacular', only two per cent chose 'not great' and one per cent said 'disappointing'.

Given choices to summarise their general feelings, a 36 per cent majority of football.london readers replied they are now 'worried, wanting more stability' at Arsenal following the resignation of the sporting director.

31 per cent also chose 'devastated, he'll be a huge loss', whereas 26 per cent who are 'optimistic' believe change can be good. Only seven per cent are 'delighted' with the news.

Lastly, football.london gave Gunners fans a chance to rate Edu's 35 transfers throughout his time in his post. Rather unsurprisingly, a 75 per cent majority saying club captain Martin Odegaard has been his best signing wipes away the other competition.

The Norwegian midfielder has been sorely missed during his current spell injured, before which he had scored 35 goals and recorded 25 assists in 156 appearances for the club.

Following Odegaard, Edu's other signings fought a closely contested fight. As runner-up, Declan Rice received only nine per cent of the vote and third-placed Gabriel Martinelli picked up six per cent of the vote.