Arsenal hero Tomas Rosicky has been tipped to replace Edu as Arsenal’s new sporting director, ahead of academy manager Per Mertesacker, by a Gunners legend
An Arsenal ally of Mikel Arteta has been backed to succeed Edu as the club’s new sporting director.
The Gunners have stepped up their search following the Brazilian’s decision to pursue a “different challenge”. Edu is set join forces with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis in a multi-club role. The Greek shipping billionaire also owns Olympiacos and Rio Ave, and is reportedly in talks to buy a controlling stake in Brazilian side Vasco da Gama.
With Edu playing a key role in turning the Gunners into genuine title contenders again, it is a key appointment for the club as they look to continue their upward momentum. According to Arsenal legend Anders Limpar, they should go for another former player in Tomas Rosicky, who is reportedly in talks with the north London club.
Rosicky, 44, who played 246 games under Arsene Wenger and was close to Arteta, is currently sporting director at Sparta Prague but has retained strong ties with the Gunners, recently attending Kevin Campbell’s funeral, where he spoke to Limpar.
He told BonusCodeBet.co.uk: “I sat down with him and had a chat with him. He’s an intelligent guy. He’s very calm. He knows his football.”
Limpar, 59, addressed a potential internal candidate in Per Mertesacker, Arsenal’s current academy head. The Swede, who played for the Gunners between 1990 and 1994, added: “I met Per Mertesacker when I visited the training centre in September and I can’t actually figure out what I think about him, because I don’t know him. I just know that he is the head of the academy.
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“In my book, both of them are great candidates but my choice would be Tomas. He’s a very nice guy and his knowledge of football is amazing. Very clever guy and he speaks perfect English. He should be suitable for the Arsenal job.”
After confirming his departure earlier this month, Edu said: “I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend.
“Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”
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