Arsenal is actively searching for a new sporting director after Edu announced his departure to pursue a new challenge. Edu is set to join forces with Evangelos Marinakis, the owner of Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos, and Rio Ave, in a multi-club role. Marinakis is reportedly in talks to acquire a controlling stake in Brazilian club Vasco da Gama.
Edu played a pivotal role in revitalizing Arsenal, turning them into serious title contenders. As the club looks to maintain its upward trajectory, former Arsenal legend Anders Limpar has suggested Tomas Rosicky as a potential replacement. Rosicky, a former Arsenal player who made 246 appearances under Arsène Wenger and shared a close relationship with current manager Mikel Arteta, is currently serving as the sporting director at Sparta Prague. Despite his current role, Rosicky has maintained ties with Arsenal and recently attended a funeral of a former teammate, where he discussed the club with Limpar.
Limpar emphasized Rosicky’s intelligence, calm demeanor, and deep football knowledge as qualities that make him a strong candidate for the role. He also acknowledged another potential candidate, Per Mertesacker, who is currently the head of Arsenal’s academy. However, Limpar expressed uncertainty about Mertesacker due to his limited interactions with him. Between the two, Limpar favored Rosicky, highlighting his fluency in English, extensive football experience, and suitability for the position.
Edu, in his farewell statement, expressed gratitude for his time at Arsenal and the relationships he built across the men’s, women’s, and academy teams, especially with Arteta. He conveyed his best wishes to the club and its supporters as he moves on to new opportunities.