Arsenal Update: Top-Tier Sporting Director Set to Accept Offer to Succeed Edu

Arsenal is in advanced negotiations to find a successor for Edu Gaspar as the club’s sporting director.

The Gunners were taken aback by the unexpected announcement last month regarding club icon Edu’s departure after five years in a behind-the-scenes role. The Brazilian, who celebrated a title win with Arsenal in 2004, has been crucial in the club’s efforts to rebuild and compete for honors.

While former player Tomas Rosicky is a potential candidate, alongside potential changes for academy director Per Mertesacker, it appears that the north London team may look outside the club for the new sporting director—as manager Mikel Arteta’s job grows increasingly secure.

Arsenal is engaged in ‘advanced talks’ regarding a new director

Arteta, currently ranked no.4 in eScored’s best managers list, is indeed a favored figure of Edu.

The departing Brazilian had a relatively brief tenure when he made the call to dismiss Unai Emery from his role at the Emirates Stadium, paving the way for Arteta—who he has consistently supported. Thus, the Arsenal coach might understandably feel a sense of unease with the prospect of a shift in their collaborative dynamic.

Foot Mercato has reported that significant discussions are underway between Arsenal and Real Sociedad managing director Roberto Olabe regarding a potential move to the Premier League at the season’s conclusion, with Sport Witness corroborating that Olabe is “captivated” and “would accept” the offer.

This development seems promising for Arteta—not just because of the addition of another Basque to the coaching staff. La Real and Arsenal have cultivated a positive partnership lately, as demonstrated by the successful transfer of Mikel Merino in the summer.

The Spanish midfielder remained a target throughout the transfer window, with Arsenal successfully negotiating a favorable deal for both sides, despite the presence of a release clause.

Moreover, Kieran Tierney’s loan to San Sebastián was perceived as an unexpected yet strategic option amid other interests, contributing to a strengthening relationship between the two clubs.

According to eScored, Olabe would represent a world-class addition. Both Real and Arsenal prioritize nurturing young talent from their academies and fostering a community environment where players envision their club as a lasting goal rather than a temporary stepping stone. Additionally, Olabe is recognized as an exceptional recruiter and has helped elevate Txuri-Urdin to Champions League competition last season.

Arteta played for his hometown club, Real Sociedad, during the 2004/05 season before transferring to Everton.