Arsenal are reportedly considering Bayer Leverkusen’s managing director of sport, Simon Rolfes, as a potential replacement for their former sporting director, Edu Gaspar. Edu recently departed the Emirates Stadium to take a new global position with a multi-club structure – potentially with Greek businessman Evangelos Marinakis’ stable of clubs, which includes Nottingham Forest, leaving a significant void at Arsenal.
Simon Rolfes, a former German international and defensive midfielder, has been instrumental in Bayer Leverkusen’s recent successes. Under his leadership, the club won the Bundesliga title last season without losing a single match and reached the Europa League final. His achievements have caught the attention of Arsenal executives, who are keen to find a suitable replacement for Edu.
Mail Sport understands that Rolfes is among those who have admirers behind the scenes at Arsenal as they start the process of identifying candidates for the vacancy.
Rolfes has a rich footballing background, having played over 377 matches for Bayer Leverkusen and earning 26 caps for Germany. Since retiring, he has transitioned into football management, initially taking up the role of academy manager before being promoted to sporting director and eventually managing director of sport.
Arsenal’s search for Edu’s successor is part of a broader strategy to strengthen their football operations and return to regular Premier League title contention and Champions League success. Other names linked with the role include AS Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro, West Ham United technical director Tim Steidten, and Real Sociedad director of football Roberto Olabe.
The club’s executives are currently in Los Angeles for talks about this position and other club matters. Rolfes’ impressive track record and his ability to build a competitive team at Bayer Leverkusen make him a strong candidate for the role.
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