Arsenal have been linked with the Premier League star in January despite Edu’s departure
Arsenal are ready to push ahead with transfer plans in the January transfer window despite Edu’s departure being imminent.
Arsenal have been dealt a blow by the sudden resignation of sporting director Edu Gaspar, causing problems between him and the club’s hierarchy and straining labor relations.
Edu, who played a key role in many of Arsenal’s major signings, including the £105m signing of Declan Rice, leaves a void in the recruitment and strategic operations departments. Mikel Arteta now needs a new technical director to help him deal with the important transfer and scouting duties.
Despite Edu’s departure, Arsenal will bring in players of interest, including West Ham’s Mohamed Kudus. According to The Mirror, Arsenal are interested in the Ghanaian, who left Ajax for West Ham in a £38m move in 2023.
Kudus could be seen as a replacement for Leandro Trossard, who could leave in January due to renewed interest from Saudi club Al Ittihad. The Belgian forward is approaching the final 18 months of his contract and Al Ittihad are prepared to offer £40m, while Arsenal could opt to spend their cash and reinvest in young talent.
The addition of Kudus, who West Ham team-mate Jarrod Bowen called a “special player”, will give Arteta a valuable long-term asset. Kudus, 24, could add quality and solidity to Arsenal’s squad, which is in line with the club’s strategic direction.
Edu’s departure creates uncertainty, but Kudus himself can help ease the move. He appeared at the Emirates Stadium for Arsenal’s Champions League win over PSG, sparking rumours of a Gunners link.
Meanwhile, Kudus’ fallout with the West Ham manager could lead to a move to a top-four club. Arsenal’s pursuit of Kudus was initially put on hold due to the Premier League’s revenue and sustainability rules limiting Arteta’s spending flexibility.
However, the £40m boost from Trossard’s sale would give Arsenal the financial boost they need to rekindle their interest in Kudus. Even without Edu, Arsenal’s determination to sign the Ghanaian international means a move could happen in 2025.
