No matter how you look at it, Edu's departure from Arsenal is a big blow. It also comes as a surprise to Arsenal as the news is certain to come from Edu. Edu has been the Gunners' head of transfers since his return to the club.
Edu has overseen a period of huge change and improvement under Mikel Arteta as Arsenal manager, and has also played a key role in bringing the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard to the Emirates. Edu started as Technical Director in 2019 and was promoted to the Gunners’ Sporting Director role in 2022.
Edu became more familiar with Arsenal fans by always appearing at the introduction of new contracts. When Arteta was under pressure, Edu actively spoke to the media and insisted that the Spaniard's position was always safe.
So the fact that Edu is leaving just when he is doing so well at Arsenal is even more baffling that Edu would leave a club as big as the Gunners to work for Evangelos Marinakis, the owner of Nottingham Forest.
The news of Edu's departure from the Emirates has caused controversy around Arsenal. Some are heartbroken because they like Edu and how well he did his job. Others are more relaxed and see it as an opportunity to appoint someone new.
Since Edu arrived at the Emirates, Arsenal have spent £867m on transfers. Only Chelsea and Manchester United have spent more in the same period. That has helped them win the FA Cup and finish runners-up in the last two Premier League seasons.
Overall, the decision to leave was more Edu's than Arsenal's. To be fair, Edu's last transfer window at the Emirates wasn't exactly a success. Arsenal didn't get what they wanted, although Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori looked like good signings. The Gunners still haven't been able to bring in a top-class striker like most fans would have hoped.
Arsenal need more. Remember, Edu was not Arsenal's first choice when he was appointed. The Gunners were very close to appointing Monchi but then changed their mind.
In short, Edu is not irreplaceable for Arsenal. However, after all that Edu has contributed, this is still a big blow for Arsenal.
"Arsenal has always been in my heart. Now it's time to pursue another challenge. This has been an incredibly difficult decision. Arsenal have given me the opportunity to work with so many great people, especially Mikel Arteta.
He is now my best friend. I wish Arsenal all the best for the future" - Edu said goodbye to Arsenal.
