Arsenal's interest in Tomas Rosicky as new sporting director confirmed

Arsenal are on the hunt for a new sporting director, and Sparta Prague's Tomas Rosicky is well aware that he is one of the options the Gunners are considering.

Rosicky has established an impressive reputation within the hierarchy at his former club, and he's remembered fondly in north London for the decade he spent at the Emirates as a player. While the Czech playmaker was so often on the sidelines due to an array of injury setbacks, Rosicky so often dazzled when on song.

He ended his Arsenal career as a FA Cup winner in 2014 before playing a final season with Sparta in 2016/17. Rosicky opted against coaching and instead took on an assistant director role at his hometown club in January 2018. He became Sparta's full-time sporting director in December 2018 and has held the post since.

The former Gunner has been reported as one of the names Arsenal are considering in their search to replace Edu Gaspar, and the man himself has had his say on the situation.

Tomas Rosicky confirms Arsenal interest - but no offer yet

Jason Ayto, Edu's former assistant, is currently filling in on a temporary basis, but Arsenal want to appoint their new sporting director well ahead of what's set to be a huge summer transfer window. The club hasn't done enough over the previous two windows to set Mikel Arteta up for success, and there's been a regression this season.

Rosicky, thanks to his ties to the club, is a name many will get behind. However, there are many candidates for the role. The Czech director is aware of Arsenal's interest, but also said that he's yet to receive an offer from his former club.

“So the reality is simple,” Rosicky told Flashscore. “My connection with Arsenal is natural because I spent ten years there, and when you spend ten years somewhere you form a strong, very strong bond.

“So I have this strong bond with Arsenal and I have a strong bond with Sparta Prague. Those are the two clubs that I love football-wise because I have a warm relationship with them.

“I am honoured by the fact that I am even being considered by Arsenal’s management, but I can say that I don’t have any offer to go to Arsenal.

“As I mentioned before, I’m aware that I’m on their radar or I figure in their considerations in some capacity, but I haven’t received any offer.”

This is a huge appointment, and one which requires plenty of thought - and perhaps some tough negotiating. There are some brilliant candidates on the table, including Real Sociedad's Roberto Olabe and PSG's Luis Campos, but Rosicky's intimate connection with the club, plus what he's been able to achieve at Sparta over the past six years, renders him a viable option for the role.

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