Arsenal have narrowed their search to replace Edu as sporting director and a former player is leading the way, according to a report.
Mail Sport exclusively revealed in November that Edu was leaving the north London club after five years with the Gunners, news which was officially confirmed later that afternoon.
He is expected to soon head up Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis' multi-club operation, taking up a global position across Marinakis' club portfolio that includes Forest, Olympiacos and Rio Ave.
That has left the Gunners looking for someone to replace the Brazilian and, according to the guardianThey could turn to a former midfielder to take on the role.
Tomas Rosicky, who played for the Gunners between 2006 and 2016, could reportedly take over, although any move would be delayed until the end of the season.
The 44-year-old has worked as Sparta Prague's sporting director since 2018 and is believed to have been in regular contact with the Gunners. He played under first-team boss Mikel Arteta at the Emirates.
Arsenal have narrowed their search for a new sporting director to replace Edu (pictured), according to a report
Mikel Arteta is part of a team that has been looking for a replacement since November
Former Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky is reported to be leading the race to take over at the end of the season.
Rosicky played for Arsenal between 2006 and 2016 and holds that position for Sparta Prague.
Since taking charge of Sparta in his homeland of Czechia, Rosicky has overseen an improvement on the pitch that culminated in the club returning to the Champions League proper this season for the first time since 2005.
Arsenal are reported to be impressed by Rosicky's record, with the Czech club winning the league in the last two seasons.
However, the man himself is eager to finish the season with his current club, despite being eager to take on a new challenge.
Meanwhile, Arsenal's leadership group, including chief executive Richard Garlick and Arteta, are said to be willing to take their time.
Jason Ayto, Edu's former deputy, has been temporarily promoted since the departure of his former superior and Arsenal are believed to have their sights set on signing someone with more experience.
