Arsenal now want ‘one of the top sporting directors in the world’ who’s ‘10/10’ – report

Arsenal are assessing options to replace Edu as sporting director and Dan Ashworth’s unexpected availability has caught their eye, according to the Sun.

Man United parted with him on Sunday after just five months as their sporting director, but he could be back in the Premier League in the coming weeks amid links with the Gunners.

Arsenal managing director Richard Garlick and Ashworth have a close relationship having worked together at West Bromwich Albion for three years, and they could now reunite at the Emirates Stadium.

Despite how things ended with the Red Devils, the former Newcastle United chief is still one of the best in the game, with Man United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe describing him as ‘clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world’ and ranking him ‘10 out of 10’ back in February.

Ashworth could be perfect for Arsenal given his huge wealth of experience and list of contacts, and landing such a man could be great for them.

However, they are not the only ones keen on him, with Everton also monitoring his situation.

Given his nature of departure from the Old Trafford club, the 53-year-old could be ready for immediate work or available ahead of the summer transfer window without a gardening leave.

Having worked as the FA director of elite development and helped to create an elite player development plan which came in handy for both the female and male national teams, Ashworth is the perfect candidate for Arsenal.

His knowledge of English football would also come in handy as the North Londoners look to establish themselves as regular Premier League winners again, and they have to move quickly as he will not be short of options following his shock Man United exit.

They have to get such an important appointment right, and Ashworth fits the bill given his impressive track record in recruitment and overall running of a couple of top football departments.