Edu ‘set to affix Premier League rivals’ as he quits Arsenal and Mikel Arteta

Departing Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar has reportedly been in talks for weeks with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis over a potential new job.

On Monday morning, news broke that Edu, who played for the Gunners between 2001 to 2005, would be leaving his role as Arsenal’s sporting director. A key ally of Mikel Arteta, Edu’s return to the Emirates coincided with the Spaniard being appointed the Arsenal boss.

The Brazilian was appointed a technical director at the Emirates in July 2019, with Arteta being named Arsenal boss a few months later in December. However, their partnership, which has seen Arsenal go from failing to qualify for the Champions League to now challenging for the Premier League, now looks set to be over.

And it has now been reported the 46-year-old has reportedly been in talks with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis over a potential role overseeing the clubs the Greek businessman owns. The Independent and Sky Sports report Edu is poised to link up with Marinakis, who owns Forest, Olympiacos and Portuguese side Rio Ave.

Additionally, Sky Sports add Marinakis is said to be keen on buying another club in Europe. The Gunners are said to have been taken aback by the news of Edu’s impending departure, with a reshuffle behind the scenes at the Emirates now set to take place.

So far this season, Forest are enjoying a magnificent start to the 2024/25 campaign, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side currently sitting third in the Premier League, a point above Chelsea and Arsenal.

Chelsea’s draw 1-1 with Manchester United on Sunday saw them leapfrog Arsenal, who suffered a huge blow to their Premier League title hopes after losing 1-0 to Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

While Arteta’s side did not lose ground on Manchester City, who lost to Bournemouth 2-1, they did lose ground on Arne Slot’s Liverpool, who currently top the Premier League. The Reds came from 1-0 down to claim a 2-1 win against Brighton at Anfield on Sunday, with Liverpool now two points clear of second placed Man City, and six points clear of Forest.

The win over Brighton also saw Liverpool move seven points clear of Arsenal, who have dropped points in their last three Premier League away games.