Arsenal sporting director hunt takes big twist as ideal Edu replacement quits current job

Edu’s replacement may have just landed in Arsenal’s lap, with highly-regarded transfer chief Roberto Olabe leaving Real Sociedad in a bombshell decision.

Arsenal are on the hunt for a new sporting director while Edu serves six months gardening leave after suddenly announcing his desire to quit. The Brazilian has worked at the Emirates Stadium since 2019, playing a key role in Mikel Arteta’s success as manager and implementing an effective transfer strategy.

Senior figures in north London will go after the best of the best to replace Edu. And while there are no concrete links between Olabe and the Gunners at this stage, a multitude of factors point towards the Spaniard trying his hand at life in the Premier League.

According to The Athletic, Olabe will leave his post at the end of the season. And he is sure to attract significant interest from top clubs, having done an impressive job with Sociedad.

Olabe has spent time outside of his homeland before, working with the Aspire Academy in Qatar and Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle. And he reportedly speaks ‘reasonable’ English.

Arsenal have done extensive business with Sociedad during Olabe’s time at the helm. The 57-year-old was the figurehead of their transfer department when they sold Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard to the Gunners, and when Nacho Monreal and Kieran Tierney headed in the opposite direction.

Arteta himself was snapped up by Olabe during his playing days, with the former midfielder trading Rangers for Sociedad in 2004. Sentimental links aside, Arsenal bosses may find it impossible to ignore the transfer chief’s strong track record of developing players including Alexander Isak and Martin Zubimendi.

Assistant sporting director Jason Ayto has stepped into Edu’s shoes at the Emirates during his period of gardening leave. The Gunners are understood to be relaxed about appointing his replacement, opting to take a steady approach rather than rushing to bring in a candidate who does not tick every box.

Reports indicate that a key factor in Arsenal’s sporting director search will be to find someone who gels with Arteta. The 42-year-old who, like Olabe, was born in the Basque Country, has transformed the Gunners into Premier League title contenders since taking charge in 2019.

Arteta shed light on Edu’s departure last week, saying: “Everything happened very quickly. I loved working with him on this incredible journey. We’ve been together from day one. I’m very grateful for the amazing work he has done for the football club. We had this special chemistry working together.”