Ex-Arsenal star emerges as favourite to replace Edu as sporting director

Sparta Prague sporting director Tomas Rosicky is a leading contender to replace Edu Gaspar as the next Arsenal sporting director, according to the Guardian.

The Gunners have been impressed by their former midfielder’s record with the Czech side, following two league titles in the last two seasons.

Arsenal put Edu’s former deputy, Jason Ayto, in interim charge of the role after Edu left last November, and he will be overseeing their affairs in the January transfer window.

However, the club have reservations about appointing him permanently, given his lack of experience.

Arsenal see Rosicky as a better option after the job he has done with Sparta, and members of the club’s hierarchy have been in regular contact with him.

Real Sociedad sporting director Roberto Olabe and several others have been linked with succeeding Edu, but the Gunners would prefer to appoint someone who has an association with the club.

The 44-year-old spent ten years at Arsenal as a player, making 247 appearances and winning the FA Cup.

He became Sparta Prague’s sporting director in December 2018 after 11 months as an assistant.

The Czech top-flight club have experienced an upswing in fortunes and are currently playing in the group stage of the Champions League for the first time since 2005.

Arsenal are looking to win the Premier League title for the first time since 2004 and have never won the Champions League.

They could do with someone like Rosicky working alongside his former teammate and Gunners manager Mikel Arteta in their bid to return to their glory days.

The former midfielder wants to remain with Sparta until the end of the season before considering his future.

However, he is open to a new challenge and could relish the opportunity to return to Arsenal and become their new permanent sporting director.