Arsenal may have found the perfect replacement for Edu in Roberto Olabe, who has just left Real Sociedad in a shock move.
The Gunners are on the lookout for a new sporting director as Edu takes a six-month gardening leave after expressing his wish to leave. Since 2019, the Brazilian has been instrumental at the Emirates Stadium, playing a crucial role in Mikel Arteta‘s side twice challenging for the Premier League title and establishing an effective transfer strategy.
Arsenal’s top brass in North London will be seeking the creme de la creme to fill Edu’s shoes, with his departure casting the club into turmoil behind the scenes. While there are no confirmed links between Olabe and Arsenal yet, several factors suggest that the Spaniard might be considering a stint in the Premier League.
As per The Athletic, Olabe will vacate his position at the end of the season. His impressive work with Sociedad is bound to draw attention from elite clubs. Olabe has international experience, having worked with the Aspire Academy in Qatar and Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle. He also reportedly speaks ‘reasonable’ English, reports the Express.
During Olabe’s tenure, Arsenal and Sociedad have had numerous dealings. The 57 year old was at the forefront of their transfer department when they sold Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard to the Gunners, and when Nacho Monreal and Kieran Tierney moved in the opposite direction.
Arteta, captured by Olabe during his playing years with a move from Rangers to Sociedad back in 2004, still cherishes those connections. Despite sentimental values, Arsenal’s top brass might not be able to ignore Olabe’s track record of nurturing talents like Alexander Isak and Martin Zubimendi.
Jason Ayto has donned the assistant sporting director hat at Emirates, stepping in amidst Edu’s gardening leave. The Gunners’ hierarchy appear nonchalant about seeking out a new replacement, choosing a measured march over a hasty sprint for an ideal candidate.
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Insiders note that compatibility with Arteta is crucial in Arsenal’s quest for a new sporting director. Arteta, aged 42 and sharing Olabe’s Basque heritage, has reshaped the Gunners into title-contending warriors since assuming control in 2019.
Last week, Arteta opened up regarding Edu’s exit, stating: “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.”