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 that went fabulously post Dein

invisibleman18

This is why this season is seminal season for Arteta as ultimately he’s in the same boat as Edu. 4 years no trophies and those players we signed were 90 percent his.

Make or break season for Mikel.

Sicario2 - Tier 1 I'd take a close 2nd in the league again and a deeper CL run but no trophies won, if he proves he can get us playing MUCH better football consistently. And then blow the budget on two elite attackers.

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.

Sicario2 - Tier 1 We can win the Carabao and FA Cup with some luck but our attack is not elite enough to win UCL IMO.

Qwiss that Rice fee is still obscene.

Bring Back Kerrea Gilbert Rice is making it feel like a big fee right now. last year when we were chasing the title it seemed fine.
But right now when we are dealing with all these injuries, I expect the 100 million pound man to get his Stevie G on

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

Clrnc At this rate we might bloody need to bring him back!!! Bunch of sick note left backs we have.

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.

Nothing about money it seems

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.