Arsenal are reportedly planning to appoint a new sporting director next month and are currently choosing between candidates following Edu’s departure in November.
Mail Sport exclusively revealed last year that the Brazilian made the decision to leave the Emirates Stadium after spending five seasons with the club.
Edu – a former Arsenal midfielder between 2001 and 2005 – was highly rated for several successful transfers in Mikel Arteta’s squad throughout past years, such as Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.
In his absence, deputy Jason Ayto was promoted on an interim basis, but now the Gunners are set to appoint a permanent sporting director and have drawn up a shortlist of four specialists to replace the Brazilian.
However, according to The Athletic, Ayto has also featured as the option for a full-time role alongside Dan Ashworth, Andrea Berta, Roberto Olabe and Thiago Scuro.
The Arsenal interim assistant led the Gunners’ unproductive search for a striker in the January transfer window.
Arsenal have reportedly reduced their shortlist to four candidates to replace Edu as they are set to appoint a new sporting director in March
Edu – a former Gunners’ player – has announced his shock departure in November last year
The Brazilian specialist was highly valued at the Emirates Stadium for several successful transfers such as Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard
However, former Manchester United sporting director Ashworth has emerged in the list despite recently landing a new job as a freelance consultant with Warwickshire County Cricket Club.
The 53-year-old lasted just five months at Old Trafford before his departure in December 2024.
Berta – former Atletico Madrid sporting director – gained a reputation in the capital of Spain for several successful signings, such as Antoine Griezmann, Rodri and Jan Oblak.
He ended his journey with the LaLiga giants after a hectic summer with various high-profile acquisitions, including Julian Alvarez, Conor Gallagher and Alexander Sorloth.
Sociedad sporting director Roberto Olabe was revealed in January to be one of the names on Arsenal’s shortlist to replace Edu due to the fact that he will be leaving La Real at the end of the season and is Arteta’s preference for the position.
Surprisingly, the list did not include former Gunners’ midfielder Tomas Rosicky, who was understood to be set to take on the role.
The 44-year-old – who played for Arsenal between 2006 and 2016 – has been working as sporting director of Sparta Prague since 2018.
However, the list included Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro, who is reportedly interested in a move to the Emirates Stadium.
In Edu’s absence, deputy Jason Ayto was promoted on an interim basis but he is also considered as an option for replace the Brazilian full-time
Dan Ashworth is one of the candidates to replace Edu following his departure from Manchester United in December 2024
Sociedad sporting director Roberto Olabe has previously emerged as one of Mikel Arteta’s favourites to replace Edu at the Emirates Stadium
Replacing Edu would not be an easy task after the Brazilian made a strong impact both on team arrivals and departures since 2019.
The 46-year-old supported the offloading of problematic squad players, such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and his move to Barcelona, after he had his contract with the Gunners terminated.
Speaking after his departure, Edu shared an emotional message on the club’s website outlining that it was time for him to resign.
He said: ‘This was an incredibly hard decision to make. Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history.
‘It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.
‘I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend.
‘Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.’
