Regardless of how we look at it, Edu's departure from Arsenal is a big blow. This also surprised Arsenal because this news certainly came from Edu. Edu has been the head of the Gunners' transfer department since his return to the club.
Edu has overseen a period of major change and improvement during Mikel Arteta's time as Arsenal manager. He also played a key role in bringing in the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard to the Emirates. Edu started as a technical director in 2019 and was promoted to sporting director of The Gunners in 2022.
Edu has become closer to Arsenal fans by always appearing at the launch of new signings. When Arteta was under pressure, Edu actively spoke to the media and affirmed that the Spanish strategist's position was always safe.
Therefore, Edu will leave right when he is working very well at Arsenal. Edu leaving a big club like The Gunners to work for Evangelos Marinakis - the owner of Nottingham Forest - is even more confusing.
The news of Edu's departure from the Emirates has caused controversy around Arsenal. Some people were heartbroken by how they liked Edu and how well he did his job. Others were more relaxed and saw it as an opportunity to appoint a new person.
Since Edu arrived at the Emirates, Arsenal have spent £867m on transfers. Only Chelsea and Man United spent more money in the same period. That money has helped them win the FA Cup and runner-up positions in the last 2 Premier League seasons.
In general, the decision to leave came more from Edu than Arsenal. To be fair, Edu's last transfer window at the Emirates was not a real success. Arsenal didn't get what they needed, although Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori looked like good signings. The "Gunners" have yet to bring in a striker of the class most fans expected.
Arsenal need more than that. Remember, Edu wasn't Arsenal's first choice when he was appointed. The Gunners were close to appointing Monchi but later changed their minds.
In short, Edu is not irreplaceable for Arsenal. However, after all Edu has contributed, this is still a big blow to Arsenal.
"Arsenal has always been in my heart. Now is the time to pursue another challenge. This is an extremely difficult decision. Arsenal have given me the opportunity to work with so many great people, especially Mikel Arteta.
He has become a close friend of mine. I would like to send Arsenal the best in the future" - Edu said in farewell to Arsenal.
