Arsenal have dodged major bullet as ‘contentious’ rumblings emerge behind closed doors
Edu Gaspar’s departure from Arsenal to join Nottingham Forest as global head of football last year took many by surprise.
The former Gunners invincible had played a key role in Mikel Arteta‘s project at the Emirates Stadium, and he had been expected to see it through.
But after just weeks at the City Ground, Edu was involved in the turmoil that saw Nuno Espirito Santo leave Nottingham Forest.
Nuno later joined West Ham, where he is now in danger of receiving the sack for the second time this season.
Arsenal hired Andrea Berta as sporting director, after the Italian had left Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid.
Edu Gaspar under pressure at Nottingham Forest
Edu and Nuno disagreed immediately after the former’s arrival at Nottingham Forest.
While the head coach identified the likes of Adama Traore as summer targets, the head of football preferred a move for Omari Hutchinson, which he got.
Ultimately, the relationship broke down, and Nuno would depart the club in September, with his replacement, Ange Postecoglou, available after leaving Tottenham.
| Nuno Espirito Santo | Nottingham Forest |
| Wins | 30 |
| Draws | 15 |
| Losses | 26 |
| Scored | 123 |
| Conceded | 116 |
The Australian’s short tenure at the City Ground was a total disaster, but Sean Dyche has managed to steady the ship since he became the third Nottingham Forest manager of the season.
But the Telegraph reported on Monday that Edu is coming under mounting pressure amid Nottingham Forest’s struggles this season.
The Brazilian’s presence is proving a contentious issue behind the scenes, with doubts rising over his long-term future.
Edu is expected to attend Tuesday’s key match against West Ham and his old foe, Nuno, but his future is uncertain.
Arsenal have benefited massively from Edu departure
Edu was a figure of much debate during his time with Arsenal. The sporting director was clearly a very close ally of Arteta’s, and the two worked well together.
The Spaniard would identify a target, and Edu would, most of the time, get them. In his last couple of transfer windows, however, the Gunners had missed out on several key targets.
Arsenal’s 2024-25 summer window should have been the one to set them up for the Premier League title, but instead, Arteta’s team were forced to settle for just one attacking arrival in a transfer deadline day loan move for Raheem Sterling.
Berta‘s arrival was like a breath of fresh air. The Gunners acted with purpose and ambition in the transfer window, spending well over £200million and launching quick-fire moves for Eberechi Eze and Piero Hincapie.
Arsenal’s decision to replace Edu with Berta was not by choice, but it appears to have come with potentially title-winning ramifications.