Slot lauds ‘special’ Xabi Alonso ahead of UCL game​​

Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar has resigned from his post, the club confirmed in a statement on Monday.

Edu joined Arsenal in July 2019 as technical director and led a culture shift at the club that saw Mikel Arteta hired as manager and the side battle for the Premier League title in the past two seasons. Edu was later promoted to become the club’s first-ever sporting director in November 2022.

The Brazilian’s tenure as director came after a four-year playing career between 2001 and 2005, during which he won the Premier League title in 2001-02 and 2003-04 under Arsene Wenger.

Sources have told ESPN that Edu has been approached by Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis to lead their multi-club group with an offer that would include a considerably increased salary.

Sources added that talks are at an advanced stage with Edu keen on taking up the position.

Edu communicated his decision to senior club officials at Arsenal’s London Colney training ground on Monday morning, sources told ESPN, with many being surprised at the move given the central role he has played in the north London team’s resurgence.

A source added that it is currently unclear whether there is anything in the terms of his departure which would delay him from taking up another job.

“This was an incredibly hard decision to make,” Edu said. “Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history.

“I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel [Arteta], who has become a great friend.

“Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”

Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke said in the statement: “We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.

“Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.

“Change and evolution is a part of our club. We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.”

Arsenal suffered their second Premier League loss in three games on Saturday, falling to a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St. James’ Park. That result followed a home draw with Liverpool and a 2-0 reverse at Bournemouth.

The expected return of captain Martin Ødegaard from an ankle injury should boost morale at the north London club ahead of another big week that sees them take on Inter Milan at San Siro on Wednesday before a trip to Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea on Sunday.

Arteta’s team are fifth in the league, seven points behind pacesetters Liverpool.

Arne Slot has labelled Bayer Leverkusen‘s Xabi Alonso a “special manager” ahead of Liverpool‘s Champions League clash against the German champions on Tuesday.

Alonso’s Leverkusen side went unbeaten in the Bundesliga last season enroute to a first league title in their history. The club also lifted the DFB Pokal last season, with their only loss in all competitions coming against Atalanta in the Europa League final.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder was a frontrunner to succeed Jürgen Klopp at Anfield after the German’s decision to step down at the end of last season before he decided to remain at Leverkusen until the end of the 2024-2025 campaign.

“It’s difficult to say what makes him a special manager if you don’t work with him on a daily basis but he is, that is clear,” Slot told a news conference on Monday.

“Bottom of the league when he took over, didn’t spend much, mainly the same players, and they only lost in the final of the Europa League. What makes him special is hard because I haven’t faced him or worked with him but what might be the situation is he worked with incredible managers in the past and played at the highest levels. So he also knows and understands what players feel at certain moments.

“That all contributes to what a manager he is. The best way to find out what makes him special is to ask the players he has worked with.”

The Leverkusen coach is well known in Liverpool, having played 210 games for the club from 2004 to 2009 when he was central to their success including a Champions League triumph in 2005, but he won’t have time to stroll down memory lane.

“Unfortunately, there is no time for tourism – maybe a little run or walk tomorrow. I know the city very well, I love it but tomorrow I will focus on the game and only the game.”, he said.

“It feels great to be back here after a few years. It’s always special. You notice the development of the club; the new stand looks amazing. Tomorrow is a big game against Liverpool, it cannot get much better than that.”

Alonso acknowledged the challenge his side face against his former club.

“For us it is a big challenge, Liverpool at the moment are one of the best, if not the best, in Europe, they are showing that in the Premier League and Champions League, a good squad, great coach. We’re looking forward to it, let’s see what happens,” Alonso said.

“You can play 70 minutes great and 20 minutes it (the game) is gone, so it is mentally and emotionally we need to be ready.”

Liverpool are top of the Premier League after ten games and go into Tuesday’s clash as joint-leaders on the Champions League table with nine points. Their strong start to the season is even more impressive when considering the cloud of uncertainty surrounding the futures of three of their key performers – Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The trio are out of contract at the end of the season with extensions yet to be agreed. On Sunday, Salah put up a cryptic post on Instagram, saying that “No matter what happens. I will never forget what scoring at Anfield feels like.”

However, Slot said he was unperturbed by the Egyptian’s social media activity.

“I don’t look at Instagram posts of the players, I talk to them. Mo is in a very good place at the moment. He always has been at Liverpool but at the moment as well,” he said.

“I’m hoping he can post one after tomorrow and Saturday again. For me, it is important what he tells me. That’s what matters, not how you guys interpret that post. “

Information from Reuters was used in this story.

Barcelona are keeping an eye on Mohamed Salah and Rafael Leão ahead of possible summer transfers. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumours, and gossip from the world of soccer.

Transfers homepage | Done deals | Men’s grades | Women’s grades

TOP STORIES

– Arsenal sporting director Edu resigns from post– Amorim to have say on Man United contract renewals – sources– Mohamed Salah posts cryptic note about Liverpool future

TRENDING RUMORS

– Barcelona are looking at a summer move for Mohamed Salah if the Liverpool winger allows his contract to run down, reports Diario Sport. However, it is reported that the Blaugrana‘s priority winger is still Athletic Club‘s Nico Williams. Regarding Salah, the 32-year-old is open to a move and there will be competition from Saudi Arabia. Barca have previously shown an interest in him during the summer of 2022.

– Calciomercato have reported that the positive relationship between Real Madrid and AC Milan could result in more transfers. While Nico Paz is now a Como player, Los Blancos could re-sign the 20-year-old midfielder before he becomes of interest to Milan, who have previously looked at Arda Güler and could look at Dani Ceballos at the end of the season. Los Blancos could make a move for Theo Hernandez to move the other way.

– Arsenal are lining up a move for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, reports TeamTalk. The Gunners have identified the 25-year-old Sweden international as their dream signing amid their search for a striker and placed him at the top of their shortlist. Isak, who scored the decisive goal in Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Arsenal on Saturday, wants to move to a club in the Champions League should he decide to leave St. James’ Park.

– Barcelona and other clubs showing an interest in Rafael Leão‘s situation at AC Milan will be paying particular attention to how the forward does against Real Madrid, reports Diario Sport. The 25-year-old has come off the bench in each of I Rossoneri’s last three Serie A matches and was taken off after an hour against Club Brugge in their last Champions League outing. The Portugal international’s valuation is beginning to fall and he could now become a more realistic signing for clubs this summer than has been the case in previous windows.

– Two clubs in Europe are monitoring the situation of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, reports The Sun. Barcelona and Internazionale are reported to be interested in the 23-year-old, amid the belief that he could be moved on after losing his spot in manager Enzo Maresca’s starting lineup. It is said that he is “determined” to stay and fight for his place at Stamford Bridge, but he has “no intention” of sticking around if he remains a substitute for several months.

play

Would losing Edu be a big blow for Arsenal?

Gab & Juls discuss the impact of Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar.

EXPERT TAKE

Senior Writer James Olley gives his take on a possible move for Alexander Isak from Newcastle to Arsenal.

Arsenal have kept an eye on Alexander Isak for a long time. Although at his best as a centre-forward, Isak can operate off the right and that versatility makes him of particular appeal to Mikel Arteta, who values that asset in his attacking players.

The Gunners got a reminder of what the 25-year-old offers when losing at St James’ Park last weekend: quick, mobile and able to occupy defenders, Isak consistently unsettled the usually stoic centre-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães.

Isak’s brilliant 12th-minute header — an atypical goal for him — was a further demonstration of his all-round talent, and the pressure on Arteta to move for a striker will grow the more Arsenal fall off the pace in the Premier League title race.

They were keen on signing a striker this summer but reassessed their options after primary target Benjamin Sesko chose to sign a new contract with RB Leipzig.

Sesko could yet become available next summer but, either way, Isak will not be a cheap alternative given Newcastle circulated in the summer that they were reluctant to let him leave and valued him in excess of the British transfer record, which stands at £115m.

Isak is under contract until 2028 and Newcastle are therefore not under pressure, although compliance with UEFA’s financial fair play regulations was an issue for them in the past.

OTHER RUMORS

– Bayern Munich attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala is set to consider his future over the winter break. A new contract for the 21-year-old is a key priority for the Bundesliga club, but he intends to stall on his decision until at least January. Musiala has been in impressive form of late with four goals and an assist in the last three league matches, and he has previously been linked with Manchester City. (Bild)

– Sacked Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag didn’t want to sign Joshua Zirkzee in the summer, with the £36.5m move instigated by INEOS’ new management team — who identified the 23-year-old as good value for money. (The Sun)

– Chelsea are not looking to move on Benoit Badiashile and he is seen as part of the club’s long-term project. The centre-back, 23, has made only one Premier League appearance this season. (Fabrizio Romano)

– Morgan Rogers is set to be offered a contract extension by Aston Villa. The midfielder, who joined Villa from Middlesbrough in January, has scoring three goals and provided three assists this season. (Football Insider)

– Sevilla are monitoring Paris Saint-Germain defender Milan Skriniar. The 29-year-old has made just three appearances this season and could be placed on the transfer list in January. (Estadio Deportivo)

– Barcelona will look to move on Frenkie de Jong or Ronald Araujo if they do not sign new contracts. If Barcelona have a successful season, interest in Nico Williams or Rafael Leao could even be shelved. (Relevo)

– Lille president Olivier Letang says the club have offered a new deal to Jonathan David, who is out of contract next summer. The striker has been linked with a free transfer move to several clubs, including Barcelona, Juventus and Newcastle. (Tuttosport)

– Barcelona believe they can sign Sporting CP star Viktor Gyökeres for €60-70m. (Sport)

– Juventus are interested in AC Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori. (Calciomercato)

– Bayern Munich have placed Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush on their shortlist. (Sky Germany)

– Barcelona view Marc Casadó as untouchable in the transfer window despite Premier League interest, with the 21-year-old midfielder having a €100m release clause. (Fabrizio Romano)

– Jonas Urbig could leave FC Köln in January after unexpectedly being demoted to second-choice goalkeeper, while a transfer by the summer is highly likely. There have been concrete enquiries from the Bundesliga and abroad with Bayern Munich being one club to have been heavily linked. (Florian Plettenberg)

– Bournemouth are bracing themselves to receive January offers for Antoine Semenyo with various big-name clubs looking at the 24-year-old forward. (Football Insider)

– If Manchester United back new manager Rúben Amorim in the January transfer window, they could be forced to offload players before the end of June to ensure they stay within Profitability and Sustainability Rules. (The Sun)

– Frans Krätzig‘s loan from Bayern Munich to Stuttgart could be terminated in January if the left-back’s playing time doesn’t increase, with the 21-year-old’s only Bundesliga appearance coming on the opening day. (Sky Germany)

– Several top clubs are monitoring the progress of 19-year-old Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes, who has kept four clean sheets in 10 Ligue 1 appearances this season. (Fabrizio Romano)

– Head coach Arne Slot is still counting on Andrew Robertson as his starting left-back and Liverpool plan to open contract talks with the 30-year-old this summer, as his current deal expires in 2026. (Football Insider)

Arsenal have decided on Newcastle United‘s Alexander Isak as their No. 1 option in their search for a striker, while Chelsea‘s Enzo Fernandez is attracting interest from two big clubs in Europe. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumours, and gossip from the world of soccer.

Transfers homepage | Done deals | Men’s grades | Women’s grades

TOP STORIES

– Arsenal sporting director Edu resigns from post– Amorim to have say on Man United contract renewals – sources– Mohamed Salah posts cryptic note about Liverpool future

TRENDING RUMORS

– Arsenal are lining up a move for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, reports TeamTalk. The Gunners have identified the 25-year-old Sweden international as their dream signing amid their search for a striker and placed him at the top of their shortlist. Isak, who scored the decisive goal in Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Arsenal on Saturday, wants to move to a club in the Champions League should he decide to leave St. James’ Park.

– Barcelona believe they can sign Sporting CP star Viktor Gyökeres for €60-70m, according to Diario Sport. The former Coventry City striker has a release clause of €100m, but the report says that Barcelona can negotiate a lower amount.

– Bayern Munich have placed Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush on their shortlist, reports Sky Sports Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg. The Bundesliga club are reported to be exploring a move for the 25-year-old next summer, having been impressed by his performance against them in the 3-3 Bundesliga draw in October. An offer between €50 million to €60m would be required to land his signature, though Liverpool are also keen on his services.

– Two clubs in Europe are monitoring the situation of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, reports The Sun. Barcelona and Internazionale are reported to be interested in the 23-year-old, amid the belief that he could be moved on after losing his spot in manager Enzo Maresca’s starting lineup. It is said that he is “determined” to stay and fight for his place at Stamford Bridge, but he has “no intention” of sticking around if he remains a substitute for several months.

– Juventus are interested in AC Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori, reports Calciomercato. The 26-year-old could be moved on next summer, with the Rossoneri willing to part ways with him if they receive an offer over €20m. Multiple Premier League clubs are also considered “admirers” of the centre-back. They could be set to scout him when Milan face Real Madrid in the Champions League at the Bernabeu on Tuesday.

play

Would losing Edu be a big blow for Arsenal?

Gab & Juls discuss the impact of Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar.

EXPERT TAKE

Senior Writer James Olley gives his take on a possible move for Alexander Isak from Newcastle to Arsenal.

Arsenal have kept an eye on Alexander Isak for a long time. Although at his best as a centre-forward, Isak can operate off the right and that versatility makes him of particular appeal to Mikel Arteta, who values that asset in his attacking players.

The Gunners got a reminder of what the 25-year-old offers when losing at St James’ Park last weekend: quick, mobile and able to occupy defenders, Isak consistently unsettled the usually stoic centre-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães.

Isak’s brilliant 12th-minute header — an atypical goal for him — was a further demonstration of his all-round talent, and the pressure on Arteta to move for a striker will grow the more Arsenal fall off the pace in the Premier League title race.

They were keen on signing a striker this summer but reassessed their options after primary target Benjamin Sesko chose to sign a new contract with RB Leipzig.

Sesko could yet become available next summer but, either way, Isak will not be a cheap alternative given Newcastle circulated in the summer that they were reluctant to let him leave and valued him in excess of the British transfer record, which stands at £115m.

Isak is under contract until 2028 and Newcastle are therefore not under pressure, although compliance with UEFA’s financial fair play regulations was an issue for them in the past.

OTHER RUMORS

– Bayern Munich attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala is set to consider his future over the winter break. A new contract for the 21-year-old is a key priority for the Bundesliga club, but he intends to stall on his decision until at least January. Musiala has been in impressive form of late with four goals and an assist in the last three league matches, and he has previously been linked with Manchester City. (Bild)

– Sacked Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag didn’t want to sign Joshua Zirkzee in the summer, with the £36.5m move instigated by INEOS’ new management team — who identified the 23-year-old as good value for money. (The Sun)

– Chelsea are not looking to move on Benoit Badiashile and he is seen as part of the club’s long-term project. The centre-back, 23, has made only one Premier League appearance this season. (Fabrizio Romano)

– Morgan Rogers is set to be offered a contract extension by Aston Villa. The midfielder, who joined Villa from Middlesbrough in January, has scoring three goals and provided three assists this season. (Football Insider)

– Sevilla are monitoring Paris Saint-Germain defender Milan Skriniar. The 29-year-old has made just three appearances this season and could be placed on the transfer list in January. (Estadio Deportivo)

– Barcelona will look to move on Frenkie de Jong or Ronald Araujo if they do not sign new contracts. If Barcelona have a successful season, interest in Nico Williams or Rafael Leao could even be shelved. (Relevo)

– Lille president Olivier Letang says the club have offered a new deal to Jonathan David, who is out of contract next summer. The striker has been linked with a free transfer move to several clubs, including Barcelona, Juventus and Newcastle. (Tuttosport)

Arne Slot has labelled Bayer Leverkusen‘s Xabi Alonso a “special manager” ahead of Liverpool‘s Champions League clash against the German champions on Tuesday.

Alonso’s Leverkusen side went unbeaten in the Bundesliga last season enroute to a first league title in their history. The club also lifted the DFB Pokal last season, with their only loss in all competitions coming against Atalanta in the Europa League final.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder was a frontrunner to succeed Jürgen Klopp at Anfield after the German’s decision to step down at the end of last season before he decided to remain at Leverkusen until the end of the 2024-2025 campaign.

“It’s difficult to say what makes him a special manager if you don’t work with him on a daily basis but he is, that is clear,” Slot told a news conference on Monday.

“Bottom of the league when he took over, didn’t spend much, mainly the same players, and they only lost in the final of the Europa League. What makes him special is hard because I haven’t faced him or worked with him but what might be the situation is he worked with incredible managers in the past and played at the highest levels. So he also knows and understands what players feel at certain moments.

“That all contributes to what a manager he is. The best way to find out what makes him special is to ask the players he has worked with.”

The Leverkusen coach is well known in Liverpool, having played 210 games for the club from 2004 to 2009 when he was central to their success including a Champions League triumph in 2005, but he won’t have time to stroll down memory lane.

“Unfortunately, there is no time for tourism – maybe a little run or walk tomorrow. I know the city very well, I love it but tomorrow I will focus on the game and only the game.”, he said.

“It feels great to be back here after a few years. It’s always special. You notice the development of the club; the new stand looks amazing. Tomorrow is a big game against Liverpool, it cannot get much better than that.”

Alonso acknowledged the challenge his side face against his former club.

“For us it is a big challenge, Liverpool at the moment are one of the best, if not the best, in Europe, they are showing that in the Premier League and Champions League, a good squad, great coach. We’re looking forward to it, let’s see what happens,” Alonso said.

“You can play 70 minutes great and 20 minutes it (the game) is gone, so it is mentally and emotionally we need to be ready.”

Liverpool are top of the Premier League after ten games and go into Tuesday’s clash as joint-leaders on the Champions League table with nine points. Their strong start to the season is even more impressive when considering the cloud of uncertainty surrounding the futures of three of their key performers – Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The trio are out of contract at the end of the season with extensions yet to be agreed. On Sunday, Salah put up a cryptic post on Instagram, saying that “No matter what happens. I will never forget what scoring at Anfield feels like.”

However, Slot said he was unperturbed by the Egyptian’s social media activity.

“I don’t look at Instagram posts of the players, I talk to them. Mo is in a very good place at the moment. He always has been at Liverpool but at the moment as well,” he said.

“I’m hoping he can post one after tomorrow and Saturday again. For me, it is important what he tells me. That’s what matters, not how you guys interpret that post. “

Information from Reuters was used in this story.