Brazilian journalist Alexandre Lozetti claims that Arsenal have offered former midfielder Edu Gaspar a role in as part of the football operations at the club in a report in Globoesporte this evening. Lozetti is a well respected journalist with very solid links to the Brazilian national side, where Edu currently works as a Technical Co-ordinator.
Edu has established himself as a canny operator in this type of administrative role in Brazil. After retiring in 2011, he became the Director of Football at Corinthians, where he linked up with current seleção boss Tite. When Tite was offered the role as Brazil’s Head Coach in 2016, he accepted the job on condition that he could take Edu with him in this valuable role.
Edu currently co-ordinates the Brazilian national teams, overseeing all age groups and is considered Tite’s right hand man. Edu has strong input into squad selection. Lozetti says that the CBF have been notified of Arsenal’s interest, but there is no suggestion yet as to whether Edu will accept the offer.
Edu was of course, fondly remembered as a part of the Invincibles squad, winning two league titles and an FA Cup in a five year spell with the club.
But most importantly, he is a respected and experienced operator in technical football operations roles. He has a good reputation in his home country. The story would appear to suggest Arsenal are looking to beef up their football operations behind the scenes following the departure of Ivan Gazidis in the summer.