Edu Gaspar, Arsenal’s sporting director, is reportedly set to join Evangelos Marinakis’ group of clubs, which includes Premier League team Nottingham Forest.
This unexpected move is anticipated to more than triple Edu’s current salary, marking a significant career shift after five years at Arsenal.
Since joining the Gunners as technical director in 2019 and later advancing to sporting director in 2022, Edu has been pivotal in Arsenal’s resurgence as Premier League title contenders, successfully orchestrating high-profile transfers, including Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.
Despite his influence, Edu’s ambitions to ascend to the role of chief executive at Arsenal were dashed when Vinai Venkatesham, the previous CEO, vacated the post over the summer. Arsenal instead promoted Richard Garlick, the former director of football operations, to managing director.
Garlick, who joined Arsenal in 2021 after serving the Premier League and West Brom, has been lauded by co-chair Josh Kroenke: “Richard is recognised and respected across the industry for his vast experience… He has developed strong relationships right across the club and wider industry.”
This decision left Edu sidelined in his hopes of taking on a larger executive role within Arsenal’s management. However, Marinakis’ proposal to make Edu CEO of his clubs’ network appears to have presented an attractive alternative, allowing the Brazilian to oversee teams, including Nottingham Forest, who are currently positioned above Arsenal in the league table.
This change is also seen as a setback for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, whose team has faced a challenging start to the season, including a recent defeat to Newcastle that has left them seven points behind league leaders Liverpool.
Amidst these changes, Arsenal’s executive structure may see further shifts to fill the void Edu’s departure will create. Kroenke had previously commended Garlick for his contributions, particularly in collaboration with Edu, on the club’s strategic direction and player acquisitions.
Now, with Edu’s departure imminent, Marinakis’ offer presents him with a new opportunity to leverage his skills at a higher level within a different Premier League setting.
