Arsenal have narrowed down their search to replace Edu as their sporting director – and a former player is leading the way, according to a report.
Mail Sport exclusively revealed in November that Edu was leaving the north London club after five years with the Gunners – news that was officially confirmed later that afternoon.
He is soon expected to front Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ multi-club operation, taking an over-arching position with Marinakis’ portfolio of clubs that include Forest, Olympiacos and Rio Ave.
That has left the Gunners in search of someone to replace the Brazilian, and, according to The Guardian, they could turn to a former midfielder to take on the role.
It is reported that Tomas Rosicky, who played for the Gunners between 2006 and 2016, could be set to take on the role – though any move would be delayed until the end of the season.
The 44-year-old has been working as sporting director of Sparta Prague since 2018, and is understood to have been in regular with the Gunners. He played with first team boss Mikel Arteta at the Emirates.
Arsenal have narrowed down their search for a new sporting director to replace Edu (pictured), according to a report
Mikel Arteta has been part of a team that has been looking for a replacement since November
Former Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky is reported to be leading the race to take over at the end of season
Rosicky played for Arsenal between 2006 and 2016 and holds the role with Sparta Prague
Since taking over at Sparta in his homeland of Czechia, Rosicky has overseen an on-field improvement that has culminated in the club returning to the Champion League proper this season for the first time since 2005.
Arsenal are reported to be impressed by Rosicky’s record, with the Czech club winning the league over the last two seasons.
The man himself however is though to be keen to see out the season with his current club, despite being keen for a new challenge.
Arsenal’s leadership group, meanwhile, including chief executive Richard Garlick and Arteta, are said to be willing to take their time.
Jason Ayto, who is Edu’s former deputy, has stepped up temporarily since his former senior’s departure and Arsenal are thought to have their sights set on appointing someone more experienced.
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