Arsenal fans were hit hard on Monday when news broke that sporting director Edu would be leaving the club.
Since rejoining Arsenal in 2019, Edu has been key in reshaping the team, bringing in top talents like Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice. With Edu reportedly in talks to lead a multi-club project for Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, fans are reflecting on his transfers and the impact they had on the team.
Gabriel Martinelli: Rising Star from Brazil
Signed from Brazil’s fourth division, Martinelli quickly blossomed into a central figure for Mikel Arteta. Now capped 14 times for Brazil, he’s amassed 34 goals and 18 assists in 138 games, proving himself to be an incredible value signing. At just 23, Martinelli is expected to only get better.
William Saliba: Defensive Rock
William Saliba’s £27 million transfer from Saint-Etienne started off rocky, as he was sent out on loan multiple times. However, he returned to Arsenal as one of the Premier League’s top defenders. His importance to the team was highlighted when his injury coincided with Arsenal’s title race dip last season.
Dani Ceballos: A Temporary, Reliable Addition
Edu’s loan signing of Dani Ceballos from Real Madrid provided stability during a transitional period. Ceballos was never the main man but gave Arteta reliable midfield support across two loan seasons without any transfer fee involved.
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Nicolas Pepe: A Record-Breaking Disappointment
Arsenal fans were thrilled with Nicolas Pepe’s arrival from Lille for a club-record £72 million. However, Pepe struggled to adapt, scoring just 27 goals in 112 games. Despite moments of flair, he ultimately couldn’t deliver on his promise and left the club early.
David Luiz: Experienced but Inconsistent
David Luiz joined from Chelsea for £8 million and brought much-needed experience. However, inconsistency plagued his Arsenal career, highlighted by setting a record for penalties conceded in a season. Luiz left in 2021 after filling a temporary need.
Kieran Tierney: Early Promise, Future Uncertain
After an encouraging start, Kieran Tierney eventually lost his place to Oleksandr Zinchenko. Now, Tierney’s future is uncertain as he faces reduced playing time, though he remains under contract until 2026.
Pablo Mari: Defensive Balance That Didn’t Last
Signed on loan from Flamengo and later acquired for £8 million, Pablo Mari was expected to bring left-footed balance to Arsenal’s defense. However, he struggled to make an impact and ultimately left after a series of loan spells.
Cedric Soares: A Questionable Move
Originally signed on loan from Southampton, Cedric Soares’ move to Arsenal was always a bit of a mystery. Though he stayed for four-and-a-half years, Cedric never became a regular starter and spent his last seasons on the sidelines.
Willian: Big Name, Short Stay
Willian’s arrival from Chelsea on a free transfer generated excitement, but he struggled at Arsenal, scoring only one goal in 37 appearances. He left after a year, calling it the “worst time” of his career.
Gabriel Magalhães: A Defensive Mainstay
Signed from Lille for £27 million, Gabriel has been crucial to Arsenal’s recent success. Now in his fifth season, he’s developed a strong partnership with Saliba and even broken into Brazil’s national team.
Runar Alex Runarsson: A Backup That Didn’t Work Out
Runarsson joined from Dijon as backup goalkeeper but quickly showed he wasn’t up to the task, notably struggling in the Carabao Cup. His role faded, and he was eventually released.
Thomas Partey: Essential but Injury-Prone
Thomas Partey’s £45 million transfer from Atletico Madrid strengthened Arsenal’s midfield. Though Partey has had some injury setbacks, his pairing with Odegaard and Rice has been critical for the team’s success.
Omar Rekik: A Missed Opportunity
Signed as a young prospect from Hertha Berlin, Omar Rekik was loaned out multiple times and never made a senior appearance. He left without fulfilling his potential at Arsenal.
Matt Ryan: Short-Term Backup Solution
The Brighton loanee played three times in six months, stepping in as a temporary backup after Runarsson’s struggles. He was dependable but didn’t stay beyond his short loan spell.
Martin Odegaard: Captain and Key Player
Martin Odegaard joined Arsenal on loan from Real Madrid before moving permanently for £34 million. Now the team’s captain, Odegaard has been transformative, leading Arsenal’s resurgence in recent seasons.
Nuno Tavares: Potential Undone by Inconsistency
Nuno Tavares showed early promise, but his errors eventually cost him a regular place. The left-back is currently out on loan for a third season, with little chance of returning to the squad.
Albert Sambi Lokonga: Showed Promise but Struggled with Injuries
Signed from Anderlecht for £15 million, Lokonga showed initial promise but couldn’t secure a permanent role. After loan spells and injury troubles, he’s now on loan at Sevilla.
Ben White: A Pricey Transfer That Paid Off
Ben White’s £50 million transfer from Brighton raised eyebrows, but he quickly proved his value, helping Arsenal build one of the Premier League’s most solid defenses.
Aaron Ramsdale: Impressive but Replaced
Although Ramsdale was dropped for David Raya, his two years in goal saw him named to the PFA Team of the Year. Arsenal’s sale of Ramsdale for £25 million meant they nearly recouped his transfer cost.
Takehiro Tomiyasu: Reliable but Injury-Prone
Little-known before arriving from Bologna, Tomiyasu has been a dependable squad player for Arsenal. Although injuries have limited his role, he remains a versatile asset.
Auston Trusty: A Business Move That Made Sense
The USA international didn’t play for Arsenal but was later sold for £5 million. While he wasn’t deemed good enough for the Gunners, his sale brought a financial boost.
Marquinhos: Bright Start but Failed to Keep Momentum
Signed from São Paulo for £3 million, Marquinhos started strong but struggled on loan spells and eventually left without fully finding his form.
Fabio Vieira: A Misfire
Fabio Vieira arrived from Porto to provide creative midfield depth but never settled. After injuries and struggles in the EFL, he returned to Porto on loan.
Matt Turner: Short-Lived Backup Keeper
The American keeper joined as a backup but only played in cup competitions. He was sold to Nottingham Forest after a season, turning a small profit for the club.
Gabriel Jesus: Great Start but Recent Struggles
Initially viewed as a title-winning piece, Gabriel Jesus scored 11 goals in his first season but has struggled recently, prompting concerns over his scoring consistency.
Oleksandr Zinchenko: Early Impact but Recent Struggles
Signed from Manchester City for £32 million, Zinchenko initially impressed but has since slipped in Arteta’s pecking order, even being passed over for young players.
Leandro Trossard: A Smart Pivot
Brought in after missing out on Mudryk, Trossard has been impactful, contributing to many goals since joining. His signing has been seen as a significant success.
Jakub Kiwior: Failing to Convince
Signed from Spezia, Kiwior has been a reserve option but hasn’t lived up to his price tag. Recent performances have raised doubts about his fit in the Premier League.
Jorginho: Affordable and Effective
Jorginho’s £12 million transfer from Chelsea brought experience and composure. He’s been a valuable, affordable addition to Arsenal’s midfield.
Kai Havertz: A Rough Start but Solid Recovery
After early struggles, Havertz thrived once Arteta moved him up front. With 21 goals and eight assists in 66 games, he’s become a key part of Arsenal’s squad.
Jurrien Timber: Potential Cut Short by Injury
Though injuries have hampered Timber’s first season, his early performances showed why Arsenal pursued him. He’s expected to be a crucial player as he recovers.
Declan Rice: Living Up to the Record Fee
Arsenal’s record £105 million signing, Declan Rice has exceeded expectations and been instrumental in solidifying the midfield, showing his worth from day one.
David Raya: Shutting Down the Doubters
Initially questioned, Raya proved his critics wrong and won the Premier League Golden Glove. He’s established himself as Arsenal’s No. 1 and arguably the league’s best keeper.
Tommy Setford: One for the Future
Signed from Ajax, Setford made his debut in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Preston. Though young, he’s seen as a promising addition for the club’s future.
Riccardo Calafiori: Potential with Injury Concerns
Early performances from Calafiori show he’s a skilled defender. However, injury issues have raised some concerns, though he seems to be an upgrade over previous options.
Mikel Merino: Early Injury but High Hopes
Mikel Merino’s start at Arsenal was disrupted by an injury, but his performance against Liverpool suggests he could be a strong addition once fully fit.
Neto: Experienced Backup Goalkeeper
On loan from Bournemouth, Neto has yet to play for Arsenal. Still, his Premier League experience is expected to provide solid backup.
Raheem Sterling: Finding His Place
After a season-long loan from Chelsea, Sterling has had limited opportunities to impress. Whether he’ll become a key player is still up in the air.
Each of these transfers reflects Edu’s influence on Arsenal’s growth, with a mix of transformative signings and a few that fell short. As Arsenal aims to reclaim Premier League glory, Edu’s departure leaves big shoes to fill in the club’s recruitment and vision.
