Edu Gaspar’s departure from Arsenal was a surprise, and his former teammate Martin Keown has now expressed his disappointment at his decision.
The sporting director stepped down from his role in a sudden decision, with it now expected that Edu will link up with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Edu returned to Arsenal in 2019, and began the current process in place as he hired Mikel Arteta, before building a squad which has competed for the Premier League title in the last two seasons.
The Brazilian was part of the Invincibles squad when he was an Arsenal player, and he featured alongside Keown, but the former defender has now highlighted the ramifications of his decision.
Martin Keown and Edu of Arsenal during the Martin Keown testimonial match between Arsenal XI and England XI on May 17, 2004 in London, England.
Martin Keown questions Edu Gaspar’s Arsenal exit
Speaking to BBC Sport, Keown was asked about the impact of Edu’s exit, but he remained confident Arsenal will be able to handle it in the short term.
“Not too much, I think there’s a really good network of people – Richard Garlick and Tim Lewis do a really good job in the background, so they’ll have assistance to help, but nonetheless it’s not an ideal timing,” Keown stated.
“He’s a role model of course isn’t he? He sorts out the contracts for all the players.
“I’m really disappointed, shocked. Maybe it was pressure of the job, but he obviously goes with our blessing, but we didn’t want to lose him.”
Edu Gaspar exit could impact William Saliba’s future
Defender William Saliba has been outstanding for Arsenal, but links with Real Madrid are beginning to emerge, and many are worried about the prospect of losing him.
Keown has now hinted that Edu’s departure could impact Saliba’s future, as his replacement will have to tie him down to a new contract as a priority.
“You’re going to have a situation coming up with William Saliba maybe. His contract is going to be up, clubs will come after him,” Keown added.
Whoever replaces Edu, with Tomas Rosicky now linked with the role, their most important first task will be tying Saliba down to fresh terms to ward off any interest in the superstar centre-back.
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