Arsenal identify former player as 'leading contender' for new sporting director | OneFootball

Former Arsenal attacking midfielder Tomas Rosicky has emerged as a prime candidate to become the club's new sporting director, according to a report.

The Gunners had Edu Gaspar poached by the multi-club network run by Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis in November, leaving his inexperienced former assistant Jason Ayto in charge for the January transfer window. Arsenal have remained outwardly relaxed in their search for Edu's replacement, giving themselves the rest of the season to name a permanent successor.

Mikel Arteta and the club's executive team appear to have identified the former Czech midfielder Rosicky as the "leading candidate", according to The Guardian.

Arsenal are said to have been in "regular contact" with Rosicky, who has worked as Sparta Prague's sporting director since December 2018.

During his six years at the helm, the Czech giants have risen from the depths of a fifth-placed finish to reaching the Champions League proper this season for the first time in almost two decades. After winning the past two top-flight titles, Sparta went into this term's winter break in third and Rosicky is thought to be keen on seeing out the current campaign.

This is not the first time Rosicky's name has been floated. The former midfielder, who scored 28 goals in 246 appearances for Arsenal during a decade in north London, was linked with the role back in November, alongside his ex-teammate Per Mertesacker.

Paris Saint-Germain's strategic advisor Luis Campos and Brentford director of football Phil Giles have also been put forward. However, the club reportedly want an individual with a connection to the club.