Mikel Arteta shares surprise connection with sporting director Arsenal admire as Edu Gaspar replacement

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Arsenal are eyeing up several options to replace Edu Gaspar, who stepped down as sporting director in a shock move.

Edu was an Arsenal Invincible during his playing days, and he returned to the club in his off-field role in 2019.

The Brazilian played a key part in hiring Mikel Arteta as manager, and the pair helped rebuild the squad into one capable of challenging for the Premier League title.

A number of options have been linked, with former Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky reportedly considered, but Real Sociedad director Roberto Olabe has also emerged as a target after announcing that he will leave his club at the end of the season.

Olabe is already very familiar with several members of the Arsenal squad, but he also shares a surprising connection with Arteta which could make him perfect for the role.

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Arsenal director target Roberto Olabe signed Mikel Arteta at Real Sociedad

Olabe had several spells in different roles at Real Sociedad. The former goalkeeper was a fringe player for the Basque side, but Olabe did briefly play alongside former Arsenal boss Unai Emery.

In the early 2000s, Olabe briefly managed the club, and also worked as a director of football. In 2004, he was responsible for the arrival of Arteta at Real Sociedad.

Arteta joined his close friend Xabi Alonso at Real Sociedad, with the midfielder arriving from Rangers, but he hardly featured before moving to Everton, whilst Alonso joined Liverpool.

Although this is a connection that goes way back, it does emphasise that Olabe would be perfect for Arsenal.

Roberto Olabe’s Arsenal connections

Real Sociedad and Arsenal share a healthy relationship, with several players featuring for both clubs, including Arteta.

Nacho Monreal and Kieran Tierney joined Real Sociedad from Arsenal under Olabe, whilst Mikel Merino went the other way this summer.

Arsenal also hold interest in Martin Zubimendi and Alexander Isak, with the latter signed by Olabe from Borussia Dortmund.

Should Olabe join Arsenal, he will be very familiar with a lot of the squad, and will link up with Arteta again as he aims to work in tandem with whoever replaces Edu.