Arsenal identify iconic midfielder for sporting director job! Tomas Rosicky 'leads contenders' to replace Mikel Arteta's right-hand man Edu Gaspar

According to The Guardian,Rosicky, a fan-favourite midfielder during his decade-long spell at the club, has emerged as a leading contender for the sporting director role, though any move may be delayed until the conclusion of the current season. Arsenal’s leadership reportedly holds Rosicky in high regard, with his connections to the club further solidifying his candidacy.

Notably, Rosicky shares a strong bond with Arsenal manager Arteta, as the two were team-mates during their playing days in North London. He also maintains a close relationship with Per Mertesacker, Arsenal’s academy manager and former German international.

Edu’s departure, confirmed in November, saw him take up a role within Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’s multi-club network. Since then, Jason Ayto, Edu’s former deputy, has been handling the responsibilities of sporting director. While Ayto has stepped in to oversee Arsenal’s upcoming January transfer window, there are doubts about his suitability for a permanent appointment due to his limited experience in such a high-profile role.

The uncertainty with Ayto has further highlighted Rosicky’s appeal as a candidate. His work with Sparta Prague, which includes guiding the club back to the Champions League for the first time since 2005, has been particularly noteworthy. Despite a heavy 5-0 loss to Manchester City in the group stage, Sparta’s domestic success under Rosicky’s stewardship, including back-to-back league titles, has impressed Arsenal’s decision-makers.

However, they are also exploring other options. Luis Campos, Paris Saint-Germain’s current football advisor, has been linked with the role, with his contract set to expire in the summer. Whereas, Brentford’s director of football, Phil Giles, has also been mentioned as a potential contender.

Arsenal’s leadership team, which includes Arteta, executive vice-chair Tim Lewis, and chief executive Richard Garlick, is determined to make a thoughtful and deliberate choice in replacing Edu. The club is reportedly prioritising candidates with a prior association with Arsenal, a criterion that Rosicky fulfills with distinction. However, the recruitment process remains ongoing, and Rosicky himself is said to prefer finishing the season with Sparta Prague, where he aims to secure another league title before embarking on a new challenge.