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Former Gunner Tomas Rosicky has emerged as a leading candidate for Arsenal's vacant sporting director position after Edu Gaspar left the club.
The Gunners have been on the hunt for an Edu replacement since October, but the process is much more complicated compared to appointing a new manager or signing playing talent.
Jason Ayto, Edu's deputy, has filled the position in the meantime, but Arsenal are keen on soon appointing the Brazilian's successor.
Tomas Rosicky among leading contenders for Arsenal's vacant sporting director position
Rosicky was touted as a potential candidate in the aftermath of Edu's exit, but the sudden availability of Real Sociedad Roberto Olabe doubtlessly would've intrigued Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, in particular.
There have been tenuous links to Olabe, who'll leave his post in San Sebastian this summer, but nothing concrete.
The Guardian have since provided an update on Arsenal's sporting director search, reporting that former player Rosicky ranks highly among the potential candidates. The Czech maestro was hindered by long-term absences during his ten years at the club but was nonetheless adored by Arsene Wenger and the fanbase.
He left the club in 2016 and returned to his homeland, spending a year back at Sparta Prague before becoming their sporting director in December 2018. Rosicky has held the post since, and he's garnered plenty of plaudits for his work in the Czech capital.
The Guardian's report states that Arsenal are continuing to negotiate with Sparta and their former player, with Rosicky keen on a new challenge having helped Sparta back into the Champions League for the first time since 2005. However, any transition won't take place until the summer, meaning Ayto will lead operations throughout an important January transfer window.
As was the case with Edu, who became Arsenal's first-ever sporting director, it's believed that the Gunners are keen on hiring someone with an association with the Gunners. Luis Campos, who could leave PSG in the summer, and Brentford's Phil Giles are other options listed by the Guardian, but Rosicky's affiliation with the north Londoners renders him the current favourite for the role.