West Ham fear losing Steidten as Arsenal eyes new sporting director | OneFootball

Arsenal’s search to replace their outgoing sporting director, Edu, is intensifying, with West Ham United fearing they could lose their technical director, Tim Steidten, to the Gunners.

Edu announced earlier this week that he is stepping down from his role. Currently on gardening leave, he has a six-month notice period before he can formally leave Arsenal, meaning he would be free for a new role by next summer.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 31: Edu, Sporting Director of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on March 31, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

The Brazilian appears set to join a multiclub network as a global head of football, with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis reportedly prepared to pay him upwards of £5million annually.

Marinakis’s portfolio also includes Greek club Olympiacos and Portugal’s Rio Ave and he is believed to be set to add a fourth club from Italy to his network.

This development has raised concerns at West Ham, as Steidten, their technical director since July last year, is seen as a possible candidate to fill Edu’s position. Steidten, aged 45, was brought in to manage player recruitment and scouting, operating closely with sporting director Mark Noble.

Prior to his move to West Ham, Steidten had served in a similar capacity at Bayer Leverkusen.

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 17: Tim Steidten Sporting Director West Ham United and West Ham Manager David Moyes Before the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and West Ham United at City Ground on February 17, 2024 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

With David Moyes departing the Hammers in the summer, Steidten gained more autonomy over recruitment. West Ham brought in nine new players at a cost of over £100 million, yet the results have been underwhelming, winning just three games in the Premier league, losing five while conceding 19.

It has also been suggested that while Steidten did not oppose Lopetegui’s appointment, he may not have been his preferred candidate. Steidten reportedly eyed Ruben Amorim from Sporting CP, though it was always an unlikely option given financial constraints.

In the meantime, Arsenal are planning to expand the responsibilities of assistant sporting director Jason Ayto to cover for Edu’s departure.

Ayto, who is well-regarded within the club, will take on a broader role while co-chairman Josh Kroenke, Tim Lewis, and Richard Garlick work with Arteta to determine the best way forward.

Arteta has emphasised the strength of Arsenal’s leadership team, insisting that the club’s ambitions will not be derailed.

He admitted the sudden nature of Edu’s departure, with even the players being unaware until Monday. “Everything happened very quickly,” Arteta said. “We both had this special chemistry and really enjoyed working together. He has an amazing opportunity now to do something else in a different role and he believes that is the right professional move for him. We have to respect that.”

Arteta urged fans to stick together during this turbulent period. “In moments when you have a defeat or two, or you have certain news that nobody expects, like we always do, stick together, bring positive energy, and move forward,” he said. “We’ve faced all kinds of problems in this football club for many years, and we are in an incredible moment right now.”