Arsenal key figure 'set to quit' in major blow amid Liverpool and Man City race

Arsenal has been dealt a major blow as it continues to attempt to compete with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the Premier League with sporting director Edu Gaspar set to depart.

According to the Daily Mail, Edu, a key ally of manager Mikel Arteta, who has played a big part in the Gunners becoming a real force again in the last couple of seasons, is leaving through his own choice. The exact reasons are so far "unclear" but Edu is widely regarded as a vital component of Arsenal's recent improvement as one of the top sporting directors in the world.

Sky Sports reports that he has been linked with a move to work with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis' group of teams. He also owns Olympiacos and Rio Ave and could invest in another European club.

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Currently seven points behind Liverpool and five behind Manchester City, Arsenal was hoping to take the next step this year after going close to the Premier League title in each of the last two seasons. And this change behind the scenes will be a major shock.

Edu has often been put forward as the face of Arsenal in the modern era, alongside Arteta, usually appearing in photographs with new signings and playing a big role in getting those deals over the line. He is credited with changing the culture at the Emirates Stadium since taking the role in 2019.

Liverpool has gone through its own change behind the scenes with new head coach Arne Slot taking over from Jurgen Klopp in the dugout. Michael Edwards was installed as FSG's CEO of football while Richard Hughes arrived from Bournemouth as the Reds' new sporting director.

While the post-Klopp era appears to have been a smooth transition, at least to this point, that was far from a given. Arsenal will now have to undertake a process to replace Edu and ensure that someone comes in to replace his vital role.