Five candidates to replace Edu at Arsenal as 'talks held' with former Gunners player
A look at the possible candidates as Arsenal look to replace sporting director Edu Gaspar.
Arsenal are now searching for a new sporting director following the resignation of Edu Gaspar. Edu has been key to Arsenal’s success over recent years, rebuilding the squad in exemplary fashion to aid Mikel Arteta’s relative success.
Edu announced: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make. Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history.
“I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and Academy teams, especially Mikel (Arteta), who has become a great friend. Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”
With Edu departing, we have rounded up the most likely possible options for the Gunners as they look to recruit a replacement.
Thomas Rosicky
Rosicky seems to be one of the leading candidates having spent plenty of time in a similar role already. The former Gunners midfielder has been in charge of Sparta Praha’s sporting department for six years and counting. Reports have already suggested that talks have taken place with Rosicky.
Per Mertesacker
Another former Gunner, Mertesacker actually got his job because Arteta wrote to the club to ask them to find one for the German, who has been with the club’s academy system since 2018. He also had a short stint as interim boss in 2019, but he seems to have his eyes set on a role behind the scenes.
Laurent Koscielny
Sticking with the former Arsenal players, Koscielny already has experience in the sporting director role having been operating in the role with Lorient since the summer having initial spent time in charge of one of the club’s academy sides.
Tim Steidten
There have already been reports of Arsenal showing interest in the current West Ham sporting chief. Steidten did a fine job early on with David Moyes, but with Julen Lopetegui struggling so far, there are suddenly question marks over his position. Despite that, the most recent reports suggest West Ham are determined to keep Steidten.
Txiki Begiristain
Begiristain is a top-level sporting chief who worked wonders at Barcelona and Manchester City. It was thought he would retire after the City gig, but it seems he will only take a break after all. Whether Arsenal will be willing to wait remains to be seen, but Arteta obviously knows Begiristain from his City days. This would be a statement appointment and likely one of the most expensive.