Arsenal have announced a promotion for technical director Edu Gaspar as he becomes the club’s first-ever Sporting Director.
In addition to the Brazilian’s existing responsibilities across men’s and women’s football, where he is largely responsible for scouting and monitoring of players before deciding which will make the best additions to Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad, the promotion sees him assume over-arching responsibility for all Academy activities.
A statement via Arsenal.com reads: “We are delighted to announce that Edu Gaspar has been appointed as Arsenal’s first-ever Sporting Director. Edu’s promotion sees him assume over-arching responsibility for all our Academy activities, in addition to his existing responsibilities across men’s and women’s football.”
Arsenal Chief Executive Vinai Venkatesham offered more insight regarding Edu’s new role, revealing that the Brazilian and Academy manager Per Mertesacker will be working closely together to ensure the future is bright for the north London outfit: “We are delighted that Edu is recommitting his future to the Club that he so clearly loves, after making such a positive and critical contribution to our progress in his time with us so far,” he said.
“Edu’s promotion formalises his already growing influence over our Academy operations, and we look forward to Per and Edu working together to strengthen the integration between our men’s first-team and Academy yet further.”
Meanwhile, the former Gunners midfielder is understandably very happy with the promotion: “I’m delighted to have this new role which I see as an evolution and consolidation of the way we’ve been working,” he told the club’s official website.
“We are making good progress in all areas of our men’s, women’s and academy and we are all excited about what can be achieved. I look forward to building on the hard work of so many people and helping all of us grow together and enjoy more success, and am thankful for the trust the club has put in me. We move forward together.”
