Arsenal find Edu replacement? West Ham 'fear' approach from London rivals for Tim Steidten as Gunners consider new sporting director

It was revealed on Monday that Edu would be departing Arsenal, calling time on a fruitful spell upstairs at the Emirates Stadium. The former Brazilian is expected to link up with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis to take over a new role as a global head of football in a 'multi-club structure' for the Greek businessman, which would include Forest, Conference League champions Olympiacos and Portuguese side Rio Ave.

Arsenal are now looking for a new sporting director, and as per The Telegraph, West Ham are worried that their technical director, Steidten, is being eyed by the Gunners as a replacement for Edu. However, the report has stated that Arsenal are going to be patient before deciding upon who the right candidate will be.

The Telegraph also confirm reports from elsewhere that Edu's assistant sporting director Jason Ayto is expected to take on a larger role behind the scenes, while while manager Mikel Arteta, co-chairman Josh Kroenke, and important executives Tim Lewis and Richard Garlick will make key decisions.

The situation at Arsenal remains calm as the club have decided patience will be key in planning for the future. The Gunners' executives are reportedly scheduled to fly to the United States for talks with the club’s owner Stan Kroenke during next week’s international break.