Arsenal fan favourite confirms sporting director interest as six-man 'shortlist' revealed

The Gunners were rocked by Edu's resignation from the role late last year, since when his former right-hand man Jason Ayto has been filling in on an interim basis.

Ayto was part of the team that decided against signing a new striker in January, a widely unpopular move with Arsenal fans and one that has backfired horribly as they sit 13 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League table.

Nevertheless, Ayto is still understood to be among the candidates for the permanent position, but Arsenal are searching far and wide for the right man, and ex-midfielder Rosicky has been mentioned as a potential candidate.

The 44-year-old currently serves as Sparta Prague's sporting director, and speaking to Flashscore, Rosicky confirmed that he was on his former club's radar for the vacant position.

Rosicky insists he has received no offer from Arsenal

However, the erstwhile Czech Republic international also affirmed that he has not received any formal approach, saying: "So the reality is simple," as quoted by the Evening Standard.

"My connection with Arsenal is natural because I spent 10 years there, and when you spend 10 years somewhere you form a strong, very strong bond.

"So I have this strong bond with Arsenal and I have a strong bond with Sparta Prague. Those are the two clubs that I love football-wise because I have a warm relationship with them.

"I am honoured by the fact that I am even being considered by Arsenal's management, but I can say that I don't have any offer to go to Arsenal. As I mentioned before, I'm aware that I'm on their radar or I figure in their considerations in some capacity, but I haven't received any offer."

Affectionately nicknamed 'the little Mozart' during his Arsenal tenure, Rosicky represented the Gunners from 2006 until 2016, scoring 28 goals and setting up 23 more in 246 appearances in all tournaments.

Rosicky won two FA Cups and one Community Shield under Arsene Wenger, but his time in the English capital was also blighted by persistent injury problems.

Who else is in the running to become Arsenal's sporting director?

A report from The Athletic states that Arsenal hope to have a new sporting director in place by the end of next month, and the aforementioned Ayto and Rosicky appear to be among six candidates.

The standout contender is undoubtedly Dan Ashworth, formerly of Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United and most recently Manchester United, where he only lasted five months in the position.

Elsewhere, Real Sociedad's Roberto Olabe - known to be leaving his position this year - could be a viable option, as the two clubs have a good rapport following their transfer dealings with Kieran Tierney and Mikel Merino.

Andrea Berta - the former long-serving director of Atletico Madrid - is also said to be in the frame, as is Thiago Scuro, who currently serves as CEO of Ligue 1 giants Monaco.

Paris Saint-Germain chief Luis Campos was previously mooted as a possible option, but the report adds that the 60-year-old is not a genuine candidate to take the reins in North London.

Written by

Ben Knapton