He seemed a decent guy and was a well liked former player. Oversaw some big improvement but ultimately we haven't won anything for 4 years and this past summer was a disaster that we're now paying for in dropped points. Perhaps this is an opportunity for further improvement.

    lorddulaarsenal hard to imagine that someone so deeply embedded in one institution could somehow replicate it elsewhere. Guy has been at Leverkusen for like 20 years.

      Thanks Edu - seemed like a decent guy who gets Arsenal. No one is irreplaceable though, not even Arteta. Let's just hope the next person in is even better. Improving our attack and creativity is surely the next task.

      From Telegraph (via BBC gossip):

      Mikel Arteta will have a major say in how the club replace Edu as sporting director.

      Can't read the full article but would be interested to know what this means. Arteta should have some say (ie. Comfortable working with them) but really shouldn't be involved in the decision-making. Again, I say this as a critic of the structure rather than a critic of Arteta.

        Don Pacifico Let's face it, it's been very evident Arteta is the new Arsene.

        If its working well for us let it be. He gets all the power

            Clrnc I think there is even questions about is it working well because I don't think the transfer strategy so far has been balanced correctly and is why we struggle in many of the same areas. Also the Arsene being all powerful was a big contribution to our awful second period of his tenure.

              Bring Back Kerrea Gilbert

              No more challenging and winning nothing.

              We have to win something this season even if it’s the fa cup or even Carabo. We can’t be arrogant to turn down our noses on any trophy given our situation.

                  Arsenal signings under Edu:

                  Tierney €27.00m

                  David Luiz €8.70m

                  Pablo Mari €6.00m

                  Gabriel Martinelli €7.10m

                  Cedric Soares free

                  Thomas Partey €50.00m

                  Gabriel Magalhaes €26.00m

                  Martin Odegaard €35.00m

                  Runarrson €2.00m

                  Willian free

                  Ben white €58.50m

                  Aaron Ramsdale €28.00m

                  Tomiyasu €18.60m

                  Sambi Lokonga €17.50m

                  Nuno Tavares €8.00m

                  Austin Trusty €1.80m

                  Gabriel Jesus €52.20m

                  Zinchenko €35.00m

                  Fabio Vieira €35.00m

                  Trossard €24.00m

                  Kiwior €19.50m

                  Jorginho €11.30m

                  Matt Turner €5.90m

                  Marquinhos €3.50m

                  Declan Rice €116.60m

                  Kai Havertz €75.00m

                  Timber €40.00m

                  Raya €31.90m

                  Calafori €45.00m

                  Merino €32.00m

                    this is actually a really good haul. even the expensive guys who have had issues were used a lot when they first arrived. some of the gambles didn't quite work out like Tavares, Vieira, etc., but that shoudl be expected wen you are buying young players.
                    if anything potentially the biggest are these free transfers / loans, lol, like Soares, Willian and maybe Sterling

                      Claudius Tavares might fetch us a record fee. Lazio president say they will pay 40m for him or something.

                      He is by far the best LB in serie a this season

                          He has the ability, but lacks the consistency/confidence. He has the ability to collect the ball and drive past players before forcing a shot or a pass, but he just doesn't do it enough. Although, there's a balance to be struck and perhaps might start overturning possession a lot more if he were to increase the frequency.

                          Clrnc yeah. It seems he wants to move away from being a DoF to being the CEO / administrator. It’s a good step for him based on what you hear about his various skills and his personality. He’s learned in different places, so he brings a nice rounded perspective to the role. The only viable counter Arsenal could’ve made would’ve been to give him the same role.

                            Clrnc according to the Daily Mail, who are probably just feeding off strategic leaks from Arsenal. Need to look like you're willing to pay retention of you're going recruiting.

                                Coombs Sami was the first scoop to leak this when no one else even knew about Edu is leaving.

                                I don't think he is fed by the club.

                                    Clrnc so is Edu his source? Either way, this makes everyone look good, so of course it's the story.

                                      Gyökeres making everyone look like fucking morons, though.

                                      I had it right: primarily a career move for Edu and nothing much to do with internal conflict at Arsenal. Made sense to me because that's how Edu got to Arsenal as well.

                                      lorddulaarsenal nor am I really. The only concern is the timing given we're getting close to January and likely already working on summer transfer plans. The groundwork for both is hopefully already laid but wouldn't want Edu leaving at this point in the season ideally given it risks undermining those deals.

                                        His managerial appointments has been disastrous.

                                        Signings wise he made a few interesting ones for a mid table club.

                                        Rosicky is interesting. Since going back to Sparta he has utterly transformed the club and they are even competitive in UCL now after going on a winless run of no trophies previously. He always seem extremely intelligent.

                                          Clrnc yeah, wouldn't mind Rosicky as it sounds like he's been doing a great job at Sparta.

                                          Would be interesting if Mertesacker was picked. Imagine it would indicate a distinct change in regards to recruitment.