Former Arsenal sporting director Edu has been credited for his evolution into a Premier League title contender under Mikel Arteta, but Head coach’s ‘key ally’ decided to jump ship for *check notes* Nottingham Forest…?

Considered one of the leading sports directors in the world, Edu was scrutinized for taking this step and it was immediately assumed that he was leaving Arsenal for the money.

But this may not be the case, because the real reason for his departure emerged after he turned down a “lucrative pay rise” to stay at Arsenal.

As global head of football for Batsh*t owner Evangelos Marinakis, Edu will lead the sporting operations of Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos and Rio Ave. His arrival further strengthens Nuno Espirito Santo’s team, who have surprised us all this season by comfortably occupying third place in the Premier League.

We’ve ranked all 35 of Edu’s Arsenal signings, from worst to best., but here we have selected seven members of this group who could follow the new chief forester in his move to the City Ground…

Daniel Ceballos
The 28-year-old enjoyed an unspectacular two-year loan spell at Arsenal between 2019 and 2021. Since that move, he has once again become a player on the periphery of Real Madrid and could look to move out next year as ‘he remains far behind. hierarchy under Carlo Ancelotti, who was asked to drop Kylian Mbappe failed for two reasons.

After Ceballos was linked with a return to the Premier League and a reunion with former boss Unai Emery last yeara return to the Premier League could likely happen in the coming months as he pursues regular playing time. Elliot Anderson might have other ideas, mind you.

READ: Arsenal could steal five Premier League sporting directors in search of Edu’s replacement

Albert Sambi Lokonga
Lokonga to be one of 10 former Premier League stars expected to regret leaving England this summer because his loan to Seville is not going to go as planned.

It’s a shame because the central midfielder has already enhanced his reputation during last season’s eye-catching spell with relegated Luton Town and his form in 2023/24 suggests he would – at least – be a useful player for Forest then that they seek to solidify. their position as a team in the top half of the Premier League aspiring to even greater heights.

Nicolas Pepe
A footballer being dragged down by a ridiculous price tag is common in today’s game and there is perhaps no better example than Pepe, who came close to proving his worth as a talent. £72 million. How could he?

The Ivory Coast international hasn’t been great for Arsenal, but he is considered one of Edu’s worst recruits at the Emirates after the Premier League giants failed to extract £72million from him before he left for Trabzonspor on a free transfer last year. The emergence of a certain star boy hasn’t helped his cause either.

But the 29-year-old has a few years left at the top level and has been in good form for Villarreal this season. Perhaps a left field replacement for Anthony Elanga if Newcastle United returns for the ex-Man Utd starlet?

Aaron Ramsdale
Nottingham Forest love goalkeepers and have experienced more than their fair share of goals since returning to the Premier League.

Ramsdale is a goalkeeper who is yet to ply his trade for Forest, but the Southampton star could be available again if/when another relegation is added to his CV at the end of this campaign.

Mats Sels, 32, has done nothing wrong, but his lifespan is limited and a relegation-inflicted discount could spur Forest into action.

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Kieran Tierney
Tierney still playing for Arsenal? This is news for us…

Much like Emile Smith Rowe, the Scotland international has been left behind as Arsenal have become serious challengers for the Premier League title, not helped by a series of injuries.

Arteta has ruthlessly secured several upgrades at left-back. This has left Tierney adrift, but if he can overcome his injury problems he is still good enough to play a leading role for the majority of Premier League teams and he would perhaps be an improvement over to Alex Moreno.

READ: Arteta and his ‘Mourinho-lite’ pragmatism cost Arsenal dearly

Takehiro Tomiyasu
One of those players who usurped Tierney in the Arsenal hierarchy, Tomiyasu has been a useful player for Arteta over the last three years. The Japan international rarely lets his manager down on the pitch, but injuries have limited his first-team opportunities.

Able to play in defense, Tomiyasu is one of Arteta’s favorites. the head coach had previously refused to let him go. But it increasingly looks like the 26-year-old is made of glass, so there’s a greater chance he leaves next year. If his next club (Forest, obviously) found a way to keep him injury-free, it would be a major blow and another player Arsenal would regret letting go.

Fabio Vieira
The 24-year-old has struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League. He may also be a victim of Arteta channeling Jose Mourinho as it is difficult to see where he could fit into this version of Arsenal.

The attacking midfielder returned to Porto on loan this summer and hasn’t set the world on fire in the Primeira Liga, so a permanent exit from Arsenal could be on the cards in the near future.

Forest’s front four of Chris Wood, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Morgan Gibbs-White and Elanga have been impressive this season, but a player with complex flair – like Vieira – would provide Nuno with an alternative option in attacking areas as he continues to strengthen his team. and this is undoubtedly the most likely of the seven proposed transfers.

READ: Nuno finds his monster at Forest after Tottenham’s catastrophic banter, which is good