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Arsenal are narrowing down the candidates for their vacant sporting director position and aim to name Edu Gaspar's full-time successor in March.
Edu's decision stunned many given the role he'd played in helping Mikel Arteta's project get off the ground. He was named as Arsenal's first ever technical then sporting director but opted to jump ship last November.
The Brazilian has reportedly taken on a senior role for Evangelos Marinakis and his array of clubs.
Back in north London, Edu's former assistant, Jason Ayto, has filled in temporarily and he's considered as one of the contenders to take the position full-time.
Arsenal want to appoint new sporting director in March
🚨 Arsenal aim to appoint new sporting director in March. Jason Ayto, Dan Ashworth, Andrea Berta, Roberto Olabe, Thiago Scuro among names discussed or spoken to. Process ongoing as #AFC whittle down options to interview before final decision @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/mAhcOqflyq
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) February 27, 2025
Given the importance of the appointment, Arsenal are taking plenty of time to mull over their options. David Ornstein reports that the club are hopeful of making a final decision in March having assessed a number of candidates and producing a final shortlist.
Ornstein writes that owners KSE have been a big part of the hiring process, and an appointment will not be made until their final approval.
While Ayto is a contender, there are several high-profile candidates linked with the position. Real Sociedad's Roberto Olabe, Dan Ashworth, Andrea Berta, and Thiago Scuro have been listed as those who have been internally discussed or even held talks with the Gunners. Ashworth recently left his post at Manchester United after a brief tenure, Berta gained great veneration for his work at Atletico Madrid, while Brazilian Scuro is currently Monaco's CEO.
PSG advisor Luis Campos is not believed to be in the frame, contrary to reports.
Moreover, Tomas Rosicky recently said that he's well aware of Arsenal's interest in him for their vacant sporting director position but confirmed that the Gunners were yet to offer their former player the role. While Rosicky wasn't listed as an option by The Athletic, the Sparta Prague director is certainly on the club's radar and he fits the brief of already having a connection with the club having spent a decade in north London as a player.
However, I don't think this is the time for sentiment. Olabe or Berta would be my pick for the position based on their reputations and what they can provide in terms of a balancing of power within the hierarchy. Their track records with recruitment are immensely impressive, and a huge summer transfer window beckons for the Gunners.