Arsenal chief Edu Gaspar has been promoted to sporting director following his amazing work in the transfer market.
The Gunners have named Edu the club's first-ever sporting director. The Brazilian has been influential in overseeing huge change at the Emirates Stadium. Edu returned to the club in 2019 after successfully serving as a player under Arsene Wenger during the iconic Invincibles era.
In a statement confirming the news on the official Arsenal website, chief executive Vinai Venkatesham said: "We are delighted that Edu is recommitting his future to the club that he so clearly loves. Edu's promotion formalises his already growing influence over our Academy operations, and we look forward to Per and Edu working together to strengthen the integration between our men's first team and Academy yet further."
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The timing of Edu's promotion comes as interest had started to grow from rival clubs in the Brazilian, who has built up a strong reputation since arriving at the Emirates Stadium following his impressive track record in the transfer market. Arsenal were well aware of the interest in the 44-year-old and moved quickly to secure Edu's long-term future and protect the long-term vision implemented at the club.
The Gunners will not need to offer Edu a new contract in future following his promotion, as the Brazilian is now a permanent member of staff. He is not on a contract like players in the first-team squad would be, meaning the club can't give him a contract extension.
The promotion is seen as a reward for the work that he has undertaken, and Arsenal believe it shows how committed they are to the Brazilian. The 44-year-old is said to view his decision to commit to the new position at the club as a message to any interested party that his focus is on the Gunners and nothing else.
Following his promotion, Edu said: "I'm delighted to have this new role which I see as an evolution and consolidation of the way we've been working. I look forward to building on the hard work of so many people and helping all of us grow together and enjoy more success, and I am thankful for the trust the club has put in me. We move forward together."
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