Edu is on his way out of Arsenal(Image: (Image: Getty))

Edu's ‘strange' and 'disappointing’ Arsenal exit is down to what Gunners 'can't offer'

07 Nov 2024, 15:58 by Abbie Meehan, Ben Crawford · football.london

Edu Gaspar's departure from Arsenal might have been influenced by the allure of Evangelos Marinakis' multi-club model, claims Ian Wright.

The Brazilian has impressed during his tenure as Arsenal's sporting director, contributing significantly to Mikel Arteta's project and playing a pivotal role in securing major signings such as Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and William Saliba.

However, in announcing his resignation, Edu was clear about his search for "time to pursue a different challenge", which with Marinakis appears well on the horizon. Unlike Arsenal, Marinakis' ownership not only includes Nottingham Forest but extends to Greek giants Olympiacos and Portuguese club Rio Ave, offering a breadth of influence across an international footballing landscape.

Wright shared his thoughts on Edu's move on the Stick to Football podcast with David Moyes, brought to you by Sky Bet. He said: "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.

"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."

Moyes also expressed his bafflement over Edu's departure from Arsenal, given the club's recent progress towards Premier League glory.

"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 said. "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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