Arsenal were rocked by the news that their sporting director Edu Gaspar would resign this month following more than five years in North London. Reports suggest a move to Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ group of clubs to oversee their multi-club model.
It leaves the Gunners in search of a potential new candidate with there being no rush to appoint a replacement. Edu’s assistant, Jason Ayto, has stepped into the role for the time being and will work through the January transfer window with help from other executive individuals at the club – a period expected to be perhaps more challenging after the director’s decision.
One potential candidate to replace Edu however has just emerged with a far greater level of availability. Real Sociedad’s Roberto Olabe is set to leave San Sebastian at the end of the season according to The Athletic.
Olabe has had plenty of deals with Arsenal and their players both in terms of acquisitions and sales. He helped negotiate the exit of Mikel Merino in the summer for a significant fee considering the time remaining on the Spaniard’s contract.
He helped sign the likes of Kieran Tierney and Nacho Monreal from the Gunners too. Most-notably however he has brought in big fees for the likes of Alexander Isak, Robin le Normand and Diego Llorente and was in charge of negotiations for Martin Zubimendi last summer before he decided not to move to Liverpool.
Edu managed to improve his reputation at Arsenal for sales in the final two summers of his stay with the club. Olabe’s strong record across his time with La Real would certainly be an attractive prospect for the club.
Yet his role with the La Liga side has coincided with a greater competitiveness, participation in the UEFA Champions League and the victory in the Copa del Rey, their first trophy in more than 30 years. The evidence suggests that the work is impressive and he could indeed be a candidate to replace the Brazilian.
Mikel Arteta is already familiar with Olabe, having been signed by the club in 2004 believe it or not. Having someone who can work comfortably and in both collaboration and challenge with Arteta will be very important for the vision of the club.
Suitors are not thought to be in short supply and some very big names have been linked in the past. Arsenal may need to move quick should they want to secure the 57-year-old’s services.
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