Nottinghamshire

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Edu's appointment as Nottingham Forest's global head of football is further evidence of their plans for expansion.

We have seen them tie down key members of the squad - including Monday's announcement of Ola Aina's new contract - but there is no bigger signing than Edu's arrival.

He has been in the background for a number of months and was at Wembley for Forest's FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City in April.

The former midfielder will oversee the operations at Forest, Olympiakos and Rio Ave and should be seen as a huge coup.

The ex-Brazil international, a member of Arsenal's 'Invincibles', was key to the Gunners' post-Arsene Wenger era, even if Mikel Arteta has only delivered one FA Cup five years ago.

Martin Odegaard, William Saliba, Gabriel and Declan Rice joined under his watch but so did £72m Nicolas Pepe, David Luiz and Raheem Sterling, all three failing to justify themselves at the Emirates Stadium.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis will expect Forest to continue their trajectory after last season's seventh place finish in the Premier League and there will be a desire to challenge Arsenal at the top, with the Gunners finishing second last season.

Edu provides experience from the elite, which is exactly where Forest want to be.

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Edu Gaspar says he is "truly excited" after Nottingham Forest announced he will take up the club's newly established role of Global Head of Football, overseeing football operations.

Since retiring from his playing career in 2011, Edu has held senior roles at Corinthians, the Brazil national team and, most recently, Arsenal.

The 46-year-old resigned from his role as the Gunners' sporting director in November 2024, stating it was "time to pursue a different challenge".

As a player, Edu played for Corinthians, Arsenal and Valencia as well as earning 15 caps for Brazil. His time in England brought two Premier League titles and two FA Cups.

During his time as firstly technical director and then sporting director in North London, he was heavily involved in bringing manager Mikel Arteta to Arsenal, with the club winning the FA Cup at the end of Arteta's first season in charge.

"I'm truly excited about this new chapter and honoured by the trust placed in me," he said on the move.

"This project connects deeply with my values around innovation and long-term planning. I look forward to building a global football model that is competitive, sustainable, and aligned with our President's ambition."

In his new role, Forest say Edu will "oversee all football-related functions, including recruitment, performance, squad strategy, and player development".

Forest president Evangelos Marinakis added: "We are extremely happy to welcome Edu to our football family.

"His global experience, values, and winning mindset align perfectly with our objective to strengthen and expand our international football platform."

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Ola Aina's new deal highlights Nottingham Forest's commitment to maintaining their momentum in the aim of becoming a force again.

Discussions have been ongoing for a while and the full-back, who played an important role in helping Forest finish seventh last season, is the latest key man to sign fresh terms.

Nuno Espirito Santo has stressed in the past that keeping his squad together was the most important thing - rather than bringing in an influx of new signings - and Forest have been working on doing that.

They have already tied down Wood, Murillo and Neco Williams this year while Nuno himself signed a new three-year deal last month.

Forest do not want to sell Newcastle target Anthony Elanga - although every player has his price - as they prepare to return to European football for the first time since 1995-96.

The unity was evident last season in a tight-knit squad and Aina is just the next piece of the puzzle in Forest's long-term desire to compete at the top.

There is a clear belief for many in the squad that the City Ground is the right place and this deal will only help convince others - like Morgan Gibbs-White - that Forest is somewhere they can find success.

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina is "over the moon" to have signed a new deal that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2028.

The 28-year-old played a vital role for Forest last season - playing 35 of a possible 38 Premier League games - as they secured European football with a seventh place finish.

"I'm over the moon," said Aina. "I can't wait to continue this journey with this club.

"It's always felt like a home ever since I joined and I'm happy to be here. Now my focus is on preparing for the new season well and getting back to hard work."

Owner Evangelos Marinakis said: "Ola has skill, determination and character in abundance. He epitomises the culture and hard work we expect from everyone associated with Forest.

"He has had a big influence since his arrival here and we look forward to continuing that journey together to help us achieve incredible things."

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts on the signing of Igor Jesus from Botafogo.

It is fair to say Forest fans are excited.

Andrew: He looks exciting, a real prospect. If he can hit the ground running, he could be a serious player for us at an absolute bargain price.

Sean: Very promising signing. He hopefully helps share the attacking and goalscoring responsibilities with Woody and Taiwo Awoniyi if they both stay. It's a good sign of progress signing a player of this calibre, and if we continue as we have done in keeping the main squad together while making measured, well thought out signings then this is going to be another good season. Welcome Igor Jesus!

Jamie: Very excited; Jesus gives us a player who can both change our system and builds on the current plan A. His hold-up play is excellent too. Cant wait to see him play.

Antony: Hopefully a great signing for Forest as we need a striker. Our South American scouting has been pretty good so hopefully this can be a great addition.

Clive: Forest have an absolute bargain here. Young, strong and talented, and the perfect role model in Chris Wood to acclimatise to the Premier League. What a pair of weapons they will be.

Phil: Time will tell, but looks like a good signing. Gets the right service, he could be a 20-goal-a-season striker.

Dermo: Great signing, with Jesus on our side how can we fail? Just like Cloughie, he will walk along the River Trent.