Arsenal are reportedly looking to hire their replacement for former sporting director Edu next month ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Gunners have been without a sporting director since November when the Egyptian made the shock decision to resign from his role. In his absence, Edu’s former deputy Jason Ayto has been taking on the role of sporting director albeit the club did not make any major deals in the January transfer window.
Of course, it is unfathomable for Arsenal not to have a full-time sporting director in place before the summer transfer window begins and it appears time is of the essence to get that started. According to The Athletic, Ayto is one of five candidates currently being considered for the job.
Perhaps the most controversial option on the shortlist is former Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth who left his club in December after a difference of opinion with Ineos’ Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co. Ashworth’s fellow free agent Andrea Berta is also thought to be considered for the role having left Atletico Madrid in January to explore a new chapter.
Two currently employed sporting directors are also on the shortlist. Roberto Olabe has enjoyed a good spell at Real Sociedad as they climbed back to prominence in La Liga with him in the sporting director role while Thiago Scuro is the current general manager at AS Monaco but has also previously worked with the Red Bull footballing group.
Whoever the North London club decides to appoint as their new sporting director will be expected to mastermind a brilliant summer transfer window as Mikel Arteta’s side look to take the next step in their progression. A striker and midfield reinforcements will be at the top of their wishlist in the transfer market.
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