It took some time for him to gain the trust of supporters, but it’s safe to say Edu Gaspar is now proving the critics wrong as he strives to make Arsenal a force to be reckoned with once again.
The Gunners have come a long way since agent-led deals were sanctioned for the likes of Willian and David Luiz two years ago, with an extensive review and overhaul of the club’s transfer strategy taking place.
Since then, a number of younger and more exciting talents have arrived through the doors at London Colney, including Martin Odegaard, Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Fabio Vieira, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus.
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As chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has previously confirmed, emphasis was placed on acquiring players who possess a mixture of potential and experience, with the future of the club very much at the forefront of plans.
As expected, it was part of the evolving project under Mikel Arteta’s leadership, which had slowly but surely been moving away from previous regimes and towards a fresh direction. It was always something that would divide opinions and require patience, but after progress was made by qualifying for the Europa League last season, the future was looking somewhat brighter.
With several young talents such as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli continuing to develop, it was time for Arsenal’s squad to reach another level, with the additions of the aforementioned Zinchenko and Jesus proving key in doing just that.
Today, Arsenal sit top of the Premier League after 14 games and are through to the last 16 of the Europa League. The obvious progress on - and off - the pitch meant Edu was rewarded with a new and improved role as the club’s first-ever sporting director last month, having previously been technical director since 2019.
In fact, it isn’t just Arsenal who have appreciated Edu’s work, but it appears people within the transfer world are noticing his impact too, which could prove to be hugely beneficial for the club.
Express Sport have been told by a leading British representative, who works for one of the world's most high-profile agencies, that Arsenal's recruitment has become far more club-driven in the past 18 months, with Edu now recognised as one of the ‘most-respected strategic operators in football’.
With all of the above in mind, this comes as no surprise and can hand Arsenal a major advantage in future transfer windows as they look to strengthen the team with some of the best talents in the world.
Being respected by agents and having a good reputation can go a long way in opening up new doors for Edu, who will only carry heavier expectations if the Gunners qualify for the Champions League and dare I say it, win the Premier League.
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