Arsenal’s Edu Gaspar gives Man City and Guardiola verdicts amid 115 charges wait

Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar has heaped praise on Pep Guardiola after the Manchester City manager lifted his fourth Premier League title in a row. Having beaten the Gunners to the crown narrowly for a second consecutive year, Edu is now trying to help Mikel Arteta overtake his former employer.

Like Arteta, Guardiola is out of contract in 12 months’ time and has recently opened up on the possibility that he could leave the champions. As he prepares to enter a ninth season in England it has reportedly already been decided by the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager that he will not be extending his stay.

This would leave Arsenal with a much-improved chance of winning their first league in over 20 years. However, there are sections of the footballing world that still view Guardiola’s achievements sceptically.

City are waiting to go against the establishment in a much-anticipated and long-awaited trial over their 115 financially related charges. In January last year, they were publicly alleged to have breached regulations over a 10-year period including Guardiola’s first title victories.

If found guilty it could leave them open to enormous punishments including possible points deductions, relegation, or being stripped of titles. Any sporting sanctions would possibly benefit Arsenal in retrospect or currently, although the club vehemently denies any wrongdoing.

Despite the looming charges, Edu is keen to highlight the good that Guardiola has done. “There are things that unfortunately I cannot say what I feel,” he started, potentially hinting at the allegations. “But all the credit in the world to Pep for the training and work he’s been doing since he started his career.

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“I even joke with my son that I want to see if he’s really good at rugby. It’s a joke I make because he’s already won everything in football.”

Edu continued, reflecting on Arsenal’s last 12 months. “It’s a strange feeling, very strange, because we end the season with the feeling that we’ve done everything right. From the signings and the goals, to the renewals.

“Mikel did a great job and achieved the goals. We did everything we could, but it wasn’t enough. There’s frustration, but there’s also a positive feeling that the process was done well. The work was excellent.”

Arsenal will now be hoping to bolster their squad ahead of taking on City and Guardiola next season. Meanwhile, the trial is set to take place later this year and could have huge implications on the make-up of the league.