It was clear Arsenal would enter a period of transition after Arsene Wenger left the Premier League outfit in May 2018.
The Frenchman had been at the helm for almost 22 years, building multiple teams and becoming the beating heart of the club.
His successor, Unai Emery, did well during his first season in charge - missing out on Champions League qualification by a point - but it was clear a new manifesto was needed.
Enter Edu, a member of Arsenal's Invincibles. He was appointed the club's first technical director in July 2019 and was tasked with building a squad capable of competing again.
It's fair to say the Brazilian didn't hit the ground running. The Gunners regressed during his first year in charge, sacking Emery and finishing eighth in the Premier League.
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An FA Cup triumph papered over the cracks but more needed to be done if they were to become a force in England and Europe again.
Heading into the Boxing Day fixture against Chelsea in December 2020, Arsenal were 15th in the Premier League - just four points above the relegation zone.
Mikel Arteta - Emery's replacement - was clinging on to his job by his fingernails. Edu was willing to give him time but decided to set a target.
According to The Athletic, the administrator wanted Arsenal to be "competitive" again by the 2022-23 season.
And now, with just eight months to go until that campaign kicks off, supporters will be questioning whether Edu will achieve his aim.
The good news is Arsenal's form has drastically improved. Arteta's side are up to fifth in the table, just two points off fourth, and will be aiming for Champions League qualification.
That was unthinkable at the start of the season - losing all three of their opening games - but the Gunners have made significant strides in recent months.
Their most recent performance against Manchester City would suggest as much. Arsenal were brilliant against the Premier League's runaway leaders and reigning champions, matching them in every department. A last-minute defeat was not deserved.
Few, however, would suggest Arsenal are capable of challenging for the title. Recent defeats against Manchester United and Everton suggest they lack the consistency needed to win the ultimate domestic prize.
The Gunners have made progress - there's no denying that - but they're still some way off Edu's competitive target.
The administrator also wanted to reshape the squad. He wanted to bring in a creative midfielder, a goal he's achieved with the arrival of Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid.
The 23-year-old has shown glimpses of his ability since his permanent transfer in August, scoring four Premier League goals, and looks set to be their No10 for years to come.
Not only do they have Odegaard, but Arsenal have also unearthed Emile Smith Rowe. Jamie Carragher has described the 21-year-old as the best dribbler in the division, dazzling fans across the country with his unquestionable talent.
Arteta is currently finding it difficult squeezing both Odegaard and Smith Rowe in the team, but that's a good problem to have. To quote Ted Lasso, the Gunners have "two aces" in their attacking midfield deck.
Edu also wanted to bring in a right-sided centre-back, another aim he's ticked off. Ben White's £50million arrival from Brighton was an excellent bit of business by the Brazilian.
The Englishman, 23, is solid in his natural position, good on the ball and can even fill in at right-back or in defensive midfield. Many believe he will be Arsenal's next permanent skipper.
Last but not least, Edu wanted to move players on. Arsenal had 10 stars with 18 months remaining on their respective deals in December 2020 and needed some return.
Although they got David Luiz, Hector Bellerin and Willian off their books, Joe Willock's £25m move to Newcastle was the only major sale they made.
Arsenal also have an expensive problem on their hands in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - who's been frozen out by Arteta and is reportedly earning £350,000-a-week - and they are still trying to agree extensions with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah.
The Gunners won't struggle to get rid of deadwood, but they will find it difficult to bring in any big transfer fees. That is one goal Edu won't achieve.
Whether Arteta will have the team Edu dreamed of in eight months' time is doubtful, but Arsenal's technical director and supporters shouldn't get bogged down by targets.
The former champions are on the up. As long as they keep moving in the right direction, they will become a force again. It may just take a little longer than expected, however.
