Arsenal cult hero on shortlist to replace Edu as sporting director

Cult hero Rosicky, who spent ten years at the club before leaving north London in 2016, could be set for a return to the club in a senior capacity.

The 44-year-old is believed to still hold close ties with two of his former teammates in first-team boss Mikel Arteta and academy manager Per Mertesacker.

Rosicky has plenty of experience behind him having been named sporting director of Czech giants Sparta Prague in 2018.

Sparta Prague returned to the Champions League proper this season for the first time since a group stage appearance in 2005.

Arsenal are believed to be impressed by the work he has done in turning round Sparta's fortunes which also includes back-to-back domestic league titles.

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But it appears that Rosicky will be in competition with other candidates in line to replace Edu, who left the role in November.

Current interim sporting director Jason Ayto is also believed to be in the running to take the job on a permanent basis.

Ayto began working for the club in 2014 as a video analyst. After impressing, Ayto landed the role of chief scout and recruitment coordinator during the 2020/21 season.

He was promoted to assistant sporting director in 2023, working as Edu's right-hand man.

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He is known for his eye for talent and is often lauded for his exemplary work-ethic and understanding of data.

Arsenal were previously credited with an interest in Paris Saint-Germain sporting advisor Luis Campos with the Portuguese's contract winding down.

But Rosicky would undoubtedly prove to be the romantic choice and his connection with the club could go a long way to deciding who is offered the role.

Rosicky has spoken of his admiration for Arsenal and in particular Arteta, who has turned the Gunners into perennial title challengers.

Asked about the Spaniard's managerial credentials, Rosicky 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.

"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."

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