Arsenal will not rush into appointing Edu Gaspar’s replacement, as talks are scheduled for this week for fresh discussions.
According to Charles Watts on Caught Offside, Arsenal are likely to take the time to make the appointment to replace Edu Gaspar. The Brazilian’s departure has left a big void in the executive room, with Jason Ayto set to assume the role on an interim basis. However, a few high-profile names are being mentioned, including two former Gunners stars.
Media reports will likely include plenty of names when it comes to Arsenal’s search for Edu Gaspar’s replacement. The former Sporting Director leaves a void in the executive room, and the Gunners will miss his expertise in many areas of the pitch.
Nottingham Forest have been keen to add Edu to their portfolio of clubs, and it has been confirmed that the Brazilian will join owner Evangelos Marinakis’s group as the global head of football in a multi-club structure. In any case, his departure does put Arsenal back in the market for a viable replacement, with some options being discussed, including two former stars.
West Ham United’s Tim Steidten is also on the list, which also includes the manager of the Arsenal academy Per Mertesacker and former midfielder Tomas Rosicky. Despite the fanbase’s eagerness to see someone as capable as Edu come in to replace him as soon as possible, the North Londoners are not in the mood to rush into a quick appointment.
Arsenal expert Charles Watts has insisted that the Gunners will be going through a thorough process to find a suitable replacement. He also pointed at Edu’s assistant, Jason Ayto, as someone who will take on the role on an interim basis, suggesting that while Ayto might be a contender for the role, the club might feel the responsibility might come too soon for him.
Watts said, “It’s going to be a thorough process because Arsenal want to make sure they get someone that they believe is perfectly suited to an important role. Jason Ayto, who has been Edu’s assistant for the past year, will take on the role on an interim basis and is viewed as a very capable stopgap while the recruitment process takes shape.”
“He could even be considered for the role full-time, although there is a feeling the opportunity might have come a bit too soon for him. But he is highly respected and knows the current set-up better than anyone, given how closely he has been working with Edu for the past 12 months.”
Arsenal to take their time in making an appointment
The role requires big shoes to fill, and in truth, Arsenal are well-positioned in the market even without Edu at the helm. The immediate concern would be the upcoming January transfer window, and despite talk of a new striker, big clubs have not been active in the past few editions of the winter market, and that might remain the case.
The new appointment will be expected well before the next summer window opens, with Mertesacker, Rosicky, and Steidten all mentioned as candidates. It remains to be seen if more names come into the picture, which will be the case, as Arsenal will take their time to conduct a thorough process of appointing Edu’s successor.
