Arsenal in talks with two former players to potentially replace sporting director Edu

Arsenal has officially begun the search for a new sporting director to replace Edu Gaspar, who recently stepped down from his role. The club has expressed particular interest in the profiles of Per Mertesacker and Tomas Rosicky, with initial discussions already underway with Rosicky.

Edu’s departure marks a significant transition for Arsenal, as he played a crucial role in the club’s recent successes, including the recruitment of manager Mikel Arteta and several key players. Despite his departure, Arsenal remains confident in their current structure, with Jason Ayto stepping up as interim sporting director alongside managing director Richard Garlick and executive vice-chair Tim Lewis.

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The club’s owners, the Kroenke family, are actively involved in the recruitment process, which is expected to take up to a year. Arsenal is keen on finding a candidate who aligns with their evolving ambitions and can continue the club’s upward trajectory.

According to the French publication Foot Mercato, Arsenal’s management “highly appreciates” the job that former players Tomas Rosicky and Per Mertesacker have done since they hang up their boots.

Per Mertesacker, a former Arsenal defender and current academy manager, is known for his leadership and deep understanding of the club’s culture. Tomas Rosicky, a former Arsenal midfielder, brings extensive experience and a strong network within the football industry.

Arsenal will not rush the process, instead focussing on finding the perfect individual to fit into what has shown to be a slick executive operation in recent years.

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