Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes Edu Gaspar is the right man to help the Gunners back into the big time.
The Gunners have spent the last two seasons outside of the Champions League and have a third straight year of Europa League football to look forward to this year.
But the big-money signing of Nicolas Pepe, along with reinforcements in the shape of David Luiz, Kieran Tierney, Gabriel Martinelli and Dani Ceballos have offered cause for optimism at the Emirates.
Edu rejoined the club as technical director this summer, joining up with Raul Sanllehi and Vinai Venkatesham as the backroom team in between head coach Unai Emery and the Kroenke owners.
And Keown is delighted to see his old teammate in the role.
Speaking at the McDonald's Grassroots Awards, as per Sky Sports , Keown said: "I think it is very interesting because he understands this role and he understands the expectancy at Arsenal.
"He cannot really affect it on the training ground. but he will be able to address things with the processes at the club.
"He is a great guy who was also greatly underestimated, to be honest. It was a big loss when he left the football club because there was an element of class to him.
"I am pleased that the club has recognised that because over the years there have been some special individuals play for Arsenal who do not work for Arsenal so I am glad one of them is returning."
And the signing of Pepe, for a club-record £72million was an early win for Edu, Sanllehi et al.
Keown added: "I am encouraged by the signing of Nicolas Pepe. He is exceptionally quick with very quick feet. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette need service and I'm sure Pepe will provide that as well as weigh in with goals himself. But the squad will need balance."
