Former Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar has now officially joined Nottingham Forest in a new global head of football role, working closely with Evangelos Marinakis.
Edu Gaspar left Arsenal last season and Jason Ayto initially stepped up to oversee the club’s business in the January transfer window.
Of course, former Atletico Madrid chief Andrea Berta has now taken the reins at Arsenal, starting his new era with the signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
But in truth, it was Edu who did a lot of the groundwork for Zubimendi to sign for the Gunners alongside Mikel Arteta — Berta has simply got the deal over the line.
And whilst Edu’s work was helpful on that occasion for Arsenal, the Brazilian might have already made life harder for the Gunners in his new role at the City Ground.
Edu might have just caused Noni Madueke’s asking price to increase
This summer, Arsenal are interested in signing Noni Madueke from Chelsea, a winger who could come in to provide competition for Bukayo Saka.
Noni Madueke has shown a lot of promise at Chelsea since his move from PSV Eindhoven in 2023, even if he’s yet to deliver consistently.
Noni Madueke playing for Chelsea at the FIFA Club World Cup
Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images
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But Arsenal have agreed terms with Madueke, and now it will just be down to Berta to reach an agreement with Chelsea over a fee and how that is structured.
However, according to The Athletic’s information, that might have just become slightly more difficult owing to a move by Edu’s new side, Forest.
In recent days it’s been believed that Chelsea would want £50m for Madueke if Arsenal come knocking.
However, fresh reports now suggest that Chelsea would demand even more owing to the deal Forest have just agreed with Newcastle United for Anthony Elanga.
Chelsea believe that the market now justifies a fee higher than £50m for Madueke, especially when also considering West Ham’s valuation of Mohammed Kudus.
And TBR Football understands that Newcastle are paying £55m plus £5m in add-ons for Elanga.
Arsenal shouldn’t pay over the odds for Noni Madueke
Therefore, although Edu has only just officially started work at Forest, he might have already played a key part in Arsenal eventually missing out on Madueke, albeit inadvertently.
If Chelsea stood firm on a valuation near £60m for the 23-year-old, it’s hard to see how a deal makes sense for Arsenal.
Madueke would be an excellent signing for Arteta — he’d be able to provide cover on both wings and perhaps even compete for a start on the left.
But if Arsenal part with a fee similar to that they paid for Zubimendi or Gyokeres, it would need to be for an immediate starter, a key player if you will.
The Gunners are in a healthy PSR position right now but the pot isn’t endless at the Emirates, and Arsenal are also interested in Eberechi Eze.
A busy summer for Berta already, and Edu and his new club Forest may have made things even more difficult for Arsenal.