Arsenal have appointed their current technical director Edu Gaspar as their first-ever sporting director.

The Brazilian, who is a member of Arsenal’s Invincibles squad, joined the Gunners in 2019 as their technical director from the Brazilian FA.

“I’m delighted to have this new role which I see as an evolution and consolidation of the way we’ve been working,” Edu told the club website.

“We are making good progress in all areas of our men’s, women’s and academy and we are all excited about what can be achieved.

“I look forward to building on the hard work of so many people and helping all of us grow together and enjoy more success, and am thankful for the trust the club has put in me. We move forward together.”

Arsenal said that Edu’s promotion sees him “assume over-arching responsibility for all our Academy activities”, in addition to his existing responsibilities across men’s and women’s football.

‘Edu’s influence in club’s academy operations key to promotion’

Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham said that Edu’s promotion formalises his already growing influence over the club’s academy operations.

“We are delighted that Edu is recommitting his future to the Club that he so clearly loves, after making such a positive and critical contribution to our progress in his time with us so far.

“Edu’s promotion formalises his already growing influence over our Academy operations, and we look forward to Per and Edu working together to strengthen the integration between our men’s first-team and Academy yet further.”