Arsenal’s search for a new sporting director to replace Edu Gaspar is intensifying.
The Gunners are eager to appoint the Brazilian’s successor before the end of March, as they look to integrate the new man in the Emirates hot-set well before the summer transfer window opens.
Reports emerged on Thursday afternoon that Arsenal have a five-man shortlist of candidates for the role, including the likes of Roberto Olabe, Jason Ayto and Dan Ashworth.
However, another potential Edu replacement has spoken publicly about the prospect of him taking the job, claiming he’s also being considered.
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Tomas Rosicky claims he’s being considered for Arsenal sporting director role
Alongside the list of experienced candidates, some of whom are currently plying their trade at top clubs, a former Arsenal player who is making his way in the football administration world is also in the reckoning to replace Edu.
Tomas Rosicky emerged as a sporting director candidate back in January, although reports linking the ex-midfielder to his former club have gone quiet in the last month.
However, Rosicky has reignited the discourse surrounding his potential return to the Emirates.
Speaking to the Livesport Daily podcast, the Arsenal cult hero refused to rule out the prospect of him swapping Sparta Prague for N5.
“The reality is, you could say, simple,” he said. “My connection with Arsenal is natural because I spent ten years there. And in that time, you form a very strong bond.
“I have it with Arsenal and Sparta, they are two clubs that I love.”
“Just the fact that I am there in some thoughts of the Arsenal management is an honour for me. But I have no offer to go and work at Arsenal.”
“Mikel [Arteta] and I played together for almost five years, I can’t say that we are somehow friends and that we have stayed in touch, that’s not the case.
“We were good teammates, I think that whenever we see each other, we are happy. I haven’t been to Arsenal for a long time now, during my last visit we spent a lot of time together. But it’s not like we call each other.”
While stating that he’s yet to receive an offer, this is likely to be the case with all the prospective sporting directors Arsenal are considering, as they weigh up their options.
However, Rosicky did claim he’s under consideration, suggesting that he’s had some contact with a member of the Arsenal hierarchy.
Perhaps not a leading candidate, but it’s clear that the Gunners are exploring a diverse range of options.
- READ MORE: Arsenal target sporting director who beat Arsene Wenger to £92m transfer as Edu Gaspar replacement
Arsenal shouldn’t appoint Tomas Rosicky as sporting director
Rosicky made 247 appearances for Arsenal between 2006 and 2016, developing a cult hero status in Islington.
Despite this, fans expressed concern about Rosicky as Arsenal’s sporting director back in January, and these concerns have resurfaced after this interview.
The 44-year-old has been Sparta’s sporting director since December 2018, and has enjoyed a relatively successful spell with the Czech Republic club.
However, this relative lack of experience on the biggest stage makes hiring him a huge risk.
It’s one thing taking over at Sparta Prague, and it’s another thing leading one of the biggest clubs on the planet to major honours, which is what his remit would ultimately be.
As well as this, his pre-existing relationship with Mikel Arteta could be an issue.
The Gunners need someone who can challenge the Spaniard, and from Rosicky’s comments it’s unclear as to whether he would sufficiently do this.
Arsenal should look elsewhere – at a more tried and tested option.
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