Arsenal's sporting director search heats up as Edu successor emerges
The Gunners hierarchy are on the look out for a new sporting director replace Edu.
Arsenal are considering several respected names across Europe as they narrow their search for a new sporting director, LondonWorld understands.
The Gunners are preparing to replace Edu Gaspar, who announced his resignation from the role last week. It is understood that a reshuffle at the executive level will be underway with the Brazilian now on gardening leave for the next six months.
Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes is one of the names on Arsenal's radar. Widely regarded as one of the most respected figures in German football, Rolfes has led an exciting project at Leverkusen, culminating in their Bundesliga title win last season.
The structure of the sporting director role at Arsenal could also see changes. It is expected that the next sporting director will focus primarily on men’s first-team matters, while Per Mertesacker and Claire Wheatley will continue in their respective roles overseeing the academy and women’s team.
LondonWorld understands that Real Sociedad director Roberto Olabe has received a proposal from Arsenal. Olabe recently commented on his future, emphasising his commitment to Sociedad for the current season.
“I understood that it was important to continue working this season for and with the project,” Olabe said. “The timing of things right now is that I am excited and committed to finishing this season, for good things to continue happening at this club. For us to win something in June - it’s been a while, and I would like to win again. We feel that we can continue to aspire.”
AS Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro is also on the shortlist, admired for guiding Monaco back to the Champions League after a long absence from Europe’s elite competition.
Former Arsenal players Tomas Rosicky and the aforementioned Mertesacker are among those being considered as potential candidates for the role.