Arsenal have dodged major bullet as ‘contentious’ rumblings emerge behind closed doors

But after just a few weeks at the City Ground, Edu was involved in the turmoil that saw Nuno Espirito Santo leave Nottingham Forest.

Nuno then moved to West Ham, where he now faces being sacked for the second time this season.

Arsenal have hired Andrea Berta as sporting director, after the Italian left Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid.

Edu Gaspar under pressure at Nottingham Forest

Edu and Nuno were at odds immediately after the former’s arrival at Nottingham Forest.

While the head coach identified Adama Traore as summer targets, the head of football preferred a move for Omari Hutchinson, which he got.

Eventually the relationship broke down and Nuno would leave the club in September, with his replacement, Ange Postecoglou, available after leaving Tottenham.

The Australian’s short tenure at the City Ground was a complete disaster, but Sean Dyche has managed to steady the ship since becoming Nottingham Forest’s third manager of the season.

But the Telegraph reported on Monday that Edu is under increasing pressure amid Nottingham Forest’s struggles this season.

The Brazilian’s presence is proving a controversial subject behind the scenes, with doubts growing over his long-term future.

Edu is expected to attend Tuesday’s key match against West Ham and old foe Nuno, but his future is uncertain.

Arsenal benefited enormously from Edu’s departure

Edu was the subject of much debate during his time at Arsenal. The sporting director was clearly a very close ally of Arteta, and the two worked well together.

The Spaniard would identify a target and Edu, most of the time, would hit it. However, in his last two transfer windows, the Gunners had missed out on several key targets.

Arsenal’s 2024-25 summer window should have been one that allowed them to prepare for the Premier League title, but instead Arteta’s side were forced to make do with just one attacking arrival in a transfer deadline day loan move for Raheem Sterling.

Berta’s arrival was like a breath of fresh air. The Gunners acted with determination and ambition during the transfer window, spending well over £200m and launching quick moves for Eberechi Eze and Piero Hincapie.

Arsenal’s decision to replace Edu with Berta was not a choice, but it appears to have had potentially title-winning consequences.