Arteta pushing Arsenal to replace Edu with director amid £165m Saudi offer

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is pushing the Gunners to replace ex-sporting director Edu Gaspar with his preferred candidate, coming as the man in question receives a seismic offer from Saudi Arabia.

Why Edu left Arsenal as sporting director in blow for Mikel Arteta

Edu was responsible for the club’s record signing of England star Declan Rice, alongside other high-profile deals which have proved fruitful for the north Londoners, but the Brazilian officially resigned from his post in late 2024.

Working in tandem with Arteta, Edu played a key role in facilitating the club’s transfer deals, and Arsenal have been attempting to cope without his influence ever since. Interim director Jason Ayto’s jumped into the 46-year-old’s stead, with Edu since revealing that he needed a new challenge.

“This was an incredibly hard decision to make,” said Edu after quitting Arsenal

“Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.

“I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend. Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”

Edu has since agreed to join Greek billionaire Evangelos Marinakis’ footballing empire, where he will oversee the running of multiple clubs under his umbrella, including Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest.

Meanwhile, the search for Edu’s long-term heir is believed to remain an ongoing situation at N5.

Ayto could even be considered for the Arsenal role full-time, having worked under Edu as his assistant, while some reports have suggested that Bayer Leverkusen chief Simon Rolfes is on Arsenal’s list of potential director candidates.

Mikel Arteta pushing Arsenal to appoint PSG director Luis Campos

According to Football Transfers, PSG director Luis Campos, who is out of contract this year, is also firmly on the Gunners’ radar as an option.

The big-name transfer chief was linked with the role at Tottenham during José Mourinho’s time in charge of the Lilywhites, and his contract situation at the Parc des Princes has sparked interest from a host of elite sides.

Arsenal are among the clubs pushing to appoint Campos, alongside both Chelsea and Saudi Arabia, with the latter presenting an offer worth around £165 million over the course of 10 years.

The Saudis want Campos to head an ambitious project, where he will oversee the development of an elite youth academy, which will eventually form a club side to compete in the Saudi Pro League.

Meanwhile, it is believed Arteta is personally driving Arsenal’s interest in Campos, as the Spaniard is convinced the chief’s footballing expertise could help to end the club’s two-decade-plus long wait for a title.