Edu and Nuno Espírito Santo’s Nottingham Forest feud has come as a shock to fans, but a detail about his time at Arsenal could suggest how this saga could conclude.
After Espírito Santo admitted his relationship with Evangelos Marinakis was fractured, Reds fans became concerned about whether the Portuguese boss had a future at the City Ground.
However, Nuno’s issues are clearly with Edu instead, with reports claiming that Forest’s new Global Head of Football had blocked the manager’s request to sign Adama Traoré.
Peace talks are to be held between Nuno and Edu, but when it comes to a long-term solution, the Brazilian’s time at Arsenal may give the best hint.
Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar at the Emirates Stadium
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Edu once fell out with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal
Edu arrived at Forest after he left his role as Arsenal’s Sporting Director, having returned to the North London club in 2019.
Marinakis tempted him into his multi-club group this summer, though, but his exit from The Gunners wasn’t without drama.
According to Duncan Castles on The Transfers Podcast in January, Edu’s departure came after a fallout with Mikel Arteta, in a scenario that sounds somewhat similar to the current situation with Nuno.
Castles said: “Arteta went into this season [24/25] in his strongest position of power ever at the club, having been handed a new three-year contract in September.
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“That contract, I’m told, was one of the main reasons why Edu resigned from his position as Sporting Director […] because he wasn’t happy with Arteta’s increasing authority at the club.”
Edu clearly shut down Espírito Santo’s authority through the Traoré transfer saga, but the manager’s input on transfers could end up causing frustration for Edu to the point where their relationship remains fractured, potentially leading to the Brazilian departing before any manager.
Nuno’s future is far from secure, though, with the Reds hierarchy looking at potential succession options should Edu get his way.
Nottingham Forest have managerial options in mind
Nuno wants to quash any issues with Edu but given the Brazilian’s close working relationship with Marinakis across his multiple clubs, the Forest manager may well be the one to depart.
In that event, the Reds have already been sounding out potential options. Brendan Rodgers is one of Forest’s options as he enters the final year of his Celtic contract, while Jose Mourinho has also been touted as a high-profile alternative.
Alongside the option of Mourinho, Forest have considered Manuel Pellegrini from Real Betis, highlighting Marinakis’ desire to bring in a coach with European experience.
Ideally, the issues between Edu and Nuno will be solved, but the club do have alternatives in mind should the relationship remain severed.