Josh Kroenke says Arsenal’s succession plan for Edu Gaspar will reflect the club’s trophy ambitions, after the sporting director handed in his resignation.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 31: Edu, Sporting Director of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on March 31, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Edu, Sporting Director of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on March 31, 2024. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Following rumours on Monday morning, Arsenal confirmed the departure of Edu Gaspar in the afternoon.

The club wrote that Edu has resigned from his position as sporting director, and co-chair Josh Kroenke thanked the Brazilian before hinting at what’s next.

“We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward,” Kroenke wrote.

“Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.

“Change and evolution is a part of our club.  We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.”

arsenal saka new contract edu arteta
Bukayo Saka signs a contract alongside Edu Gaspar and Mikel Arteta (Photo via Arsenal.com)

Edu also sent a message to the Arsenal fans and the club at large, saying: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make.

“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.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 02: Edu Gaspar attends the "All Or Nothing: Arsenal" Global Premiere at Islington Assembly Hall on August 02, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Lia Toby/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Edu Gaspar attends the “All Or Nothing: Arsenal” Global Premiere at Islington Assembly Hall on August 02, 2022. (Photo by Lia Toby/Getty Images)

David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that Edu has agreed to take up a role working with the group of teams controlled by Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.

The contracts are yet to be signed and the exact role hasn’t been finalised, but Edu is expected to take charge of adding to that group and growing the operation.

In terms of who Arsenal appoint as a replacement, Mikel Arteta will reportedly be involved in the process, led by managing director Richard Garlick and executive Tim Lewis.

We’ll likely hear from Arteta about Edu’s departure on Tuesday night, as he holds his press conference before Arsenal’s match against Inter Milan.