Arsenal could welcome former star Tomas Rosicky back to the Emirates in a brand new role – but he has to see off serious competition first.
The former midfielder left North London in 2016 following a hugely successful 10-year spell with the Gunners. But it appears he could be in line for an emotional return to the club.
Arsenal have been on the hunt for a new sporting director since Edu’s bombshell exit in November. It has been touted that the Brazilian is in line to link up with Evangelos Marinakis’ portfolio of clubs but a deal is yet to be announced.
In the meantime, Arsenal have drawn up a shortlist of potential names to replace him. As per The Guardian, Rosicky is among those being considered due to his association with the club. Mirror Football understands that there is no leading candidate for the role quite yet.
Despite that, it is suggested that he remains close with former teammates Mikel Arteta and the Gunners’ current academy manager Per Mertesacker. Rosicky, now 44, retired from football in 2017 and was then appointed as Sparta Prague’s sporting director the following year.
But he is not the only candidate. Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Campos is an option as his contract with the French giants ticks down, while Brentford’s current director of football Phil Giles has also been linked with the vacancy.
Rosicky previously hailed Arteta and Arsenal, claiming both were ready to win the Premier League. Speaking earlier this season, he said: “Yeah he had it in him, you could see that for a very long time.
“Even when he was, when we played together, already preparing for his next step when he will retire, he was doing his badges already as a player, stuff like that. So you could see the leadership qualities what he had before. And you can see now on the bench and of course I wish him well and I hope they will, they can make it.
Who should Arsenal sign this January? Share your thoughts in the comments below
“I think the last season, they showed. I think Mikel himself and the whole club has what it takes to win it. Of course they have to show it, they have to prove it and I believe they will put up another good challenge and fingers crossed.”
Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest owner Marinakis has broken his silence on a potential deal for Edu. Speaking earlier this season, he said: “Edu was a very good player and also a very good sporting and technical director.
“I have a lot of respect for him. The results we saw over the years at Arsenal were very good and he has done an excellent job at Arsenal.
“What I can say is that I would like to cooperate with him on a much bigger project, a global project. I’m optimistic that in case all this goes ahead, it will be another successful venture for both of us. I’m very optimistic about it, but we need to see how this will be developed and will be finalised, if and when time allows.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £192 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Can Arsenal challenge for the title? Get your latest Gunners news with our FREE daily email newsletter