Arsenal Football Club is facing a major transition as sporting director, Edu Gaspar is reportedly poised to leave his position amidst growing interest from a group of clubs owned by Evangelos Marinakis, including Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos.

Sources indicate that the Brazilian, who has been a key figure in reshaping Arsenal’s transfer strategy and overall identity since 2019, is expected to take on a significant new role within Marinakis’ expansive network.

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His departure could signal a substantial shift in Arsenal’s approach to player recruitment and team development.

Edu’s tenure has seen the club invest £867 million in player acquisitions, ranking Arsenal third in spending behind Chelsea and Manchester United.

Under his leadership, the Gunners secured the FA Cup and finished as runners-up in the Premier League during the last two seasons.

He played a pivotal role in the signings of high-profile players such as Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice while managing the exits of notable figures including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Özil.

According to reports, Edu’s decision to leave was self-initiated, with recent changes in senior roles at the club possibly influencing his choice.

As Arsenal prepares for a crucial Champions League match against AC Milan, manager Mikel Arteta is expected to address the situation in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

Edu’s journey at Arsenal began when he returned to the club as technical director after a successful period with the Brazilian Football Confederation, where he celebrated a Copa America victory.

Promoted to the role of sporting director in 2022, he has emphasized a philosophy that prioritizes both winning and playing with style, stating, “Winning is not enough for Arsenal; style is paramount. I want to win the best way possible.”

The club now faces the challenge of finding a successor capable of sustaining the momentum and vision Edu has instilled.

Football transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano confirmed the impending transition, noting that Edu is a sought-after target for Marinakis’ multi-club operation.

Two second half goals in a-five-minute-period by former NPFL top-scorer, Godwin Obaje, ensured that reigning champions of the league, Rangers International bounced back to winning ways, beating Nasarawa United FC 2-0 in a match day 10, at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu on Sunday, November 3, 2024.

Smarting from a heartwarming 1-1 draw in Ilorin and 0-0 draw in Uyo in the last two match days, coach Fidelis Ilechukwu made three changes to the last match day starting squad, handing starts to goalkeeper, Kingdom Osayi and Godwin Obaje while captain of the side, Chinemerem Ugwueze also started in the very entertaining encounter watched by an appreciable number of fans.

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Opting for a 4-4-2 formation which was aimed at pushing the visitors back so as to contain the exploits of leading goal scorer, Anas Yusuf, with Frank Uwumiro and Godwin Obaje leading the attack with the quartet of Isaac Saviour, Kazeem Ogunleye, Chinemerem Ugwueze and Ejike Ugochukwu anchoring the middle of the pack while the back-four of Effimi Nsi, Evans Ogbonda, Austine Opara, and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi providing cover for the man between the sticks, Kingdom Osayi.

The first period witnessed a lot of missed opportunities on both ends but with more missed chances coming the way of the home side as Effimi Nsi failed to connect when set up by Isaac Saviour on 14 minutes which was followed by Frank Uwumiro’s stinging shot that was pushed out by goalkeeper, Galadima Mohammed on 16 minutes just as Godwin Obaje could not fathom how his efforts on 22 and 40 minutes failed to rest inside the net and Ejike Ugochukwu, Isaac Saviour’ efforts were bravely stopped by Galadima on 36 and 45 minutes.

When both sides returned for the second period, the home side continued to push and probing for openings which came on 55 minutes when Obaje met an Uwumiro cut-back with precision to open his goals account for the season and on 60 minutes, he grabbed his brace in the match as he expertly tucked in the spot kick awarded his side after he was wrestled down inside the box by Victor Collins as the fans yelled for more goals in celebrations.

Obaje would have made it a hat trick of goals on 67 minutes after being fed by Evans Ogbonda but his effort missed target by inches just few minutes after substitute, Silas Nenrot’s stinging shot was pushed out by an alert Galadima on 65 minutes while Nenrot’s effort that found the back of the net was ruled out for offside on 70 minutes. Opportunities also came the way of Kazeem Ogunleye and Godwin Obaje in the 71 and 73 minutes but there were no further goals to show for all the dominance.

As the game neared it closing period, coach Ilechukwu handed game time to two of his young stars, Daniel Onyia and Kelechi Edeh and they did not disappoint.

In the post-match chat, chief-coach of the Enugu side, Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu, said, “This was a great game with a good result against a quality side. They proved difficult in the first half but after some talks at the break, we got our acts together and converted two of the numerous chances that we created. We are happy with the result and would work harder to convert our chances in subsequent matches.”

Two-goals hero, Godwin Obaje, while reacting to the media after the encounter, said, “We are happy we got the win and I am really glad to have scored in my first start for the season. It goes a long way to show that we are gradually getting into the needed shape to challenge for a good season. Nasarawa United gave us a good fight but we showed more resolve to win.”

With the win, Rangers now occupy the 5th spot on the 20 team log with fifteen points from ten matches and would next play against Plateau United in a match day 11 fixture at the New Jos Stadium, Jos in the coming weekend.

Erik ten Hag has signed off at Manchester United, after being relieved of his duties as Manager of the club, with an emotional letter to fans and employees.

From the letter, the sacked manager wished the club well. “I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies and glory,” he stated.

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He wrote, “Dear fans,

“Let me start by thanking you. Thank you for always being there for the club. Whether it was at a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable. The atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electrifying, thanks to you. I felt it many times. Also in away games, it gave the team and me an incredible feeling to hear the United chants taking over the opponents’ stadiums, whether the game was in England, Europe or during the summer tours.

“I always enjoyed meeting Manchester United fans throughout the world. Walking the streets and being able to chat with fans in England, Europe, Asia, Australia, the USA – you inspired me and radiated a strong sense of unity. That’s what makes United supporters so special.

“I want to thank you for giving me this feeling and for your support. I also want to thank the staff in every department of the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad.

“We won two trophies – achievements that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Of course, my dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet. Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end.

“I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies and glory. Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home.

“Thank you for this chapter in my life.

“Erik”.