Arsenal must decide whether or not they want to appoint a new sporting director before the summer transfer window opens. Edu Gaspar resigned from his position at the Emirates Stadium back in November, and .
The 46-year-old was appointed as the club's very first technical director back in July 2019. and ensure that Mikel Arteta's squad was 'efficiently strengthened'.
He was later promoted to sporting director, where – in addition to his existing responsibilities. During Edu's time at Arsenal, he wrapped up deals for the likes of Martin Odegaard, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
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That said, he signed his fair share of flops too. The Gunners have been without a transfer chief for some time now and , with Arteta in desperate need of reinforcements this summer.
So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up everything you need to know about Arsenal's hunt for a new sporting director.
Edu replacementIn Edu's absence, Jason Ayto, was the Brazilian's understudy, has been given the reigns as an acting-sporting director. While the 40-year-old former scout may be the natural replacement, his failure to sign a new striker in January certainly raised a few eyebrows.
Arsenal shortlistAccording to , Ayto remains an option for the full-time post, alongside the likes of Dan Ashworth, Andrea Berta, Roberto Olabe and Thiago Scuro. The report states that each of the aforementioned candidates have either held talks or been discussed internally.
Arteta stanceSpeaking to reporters in February, Arteta was quizzed on Arsenal's search for a new sporting director.
When pushed for an answer, he added: "Our plan is to nail the process that we believe is the best to try to find the person that is the best one for the moment that Arsenal is in right now. That’s what the club is trying to do."
Campos truthAccording to , Luis Campos is not in the frame to become the new sporting director at Arsenal. However, football.london understands that the Paris Saint-Germain football advisor has been appreciated by the Gunners in the past, and they're not the only club to hold an interest.
football.london understands Tomas Rosicky has been considered for the vacancy following his impressive work with Sparta Prague, but he's not the club's first choice. Speaking recently on the Livesport Daily podcast, the former Arsenal midfielder was quizzed on a potential return to the Emirates Stadium.
"So the reality is simple," said Rosicky. "My connection with Arsenal is natural because I spent 10 years there, and when you spend 10 years somewhere you form a strong, very strong bond.
"So I have this strong bond with Arsenal and I have a strong bond with Sparta Prague. Those are the two clubs that I love football-wise because I have a warm relationship with them."