Arsenal in advanced talks to sign Edu sporting director replacement, who was linked with Real Madrid

Gunners fans were shocked when news broke that sporting director Edu had resigned from his position at the club in early November to join Nottingham Forest's multi-club group.

Edu had been credited by many as helping Mikel Arteta transform Arsenal into genuine title challengers, but co-chairman Josh Kroenke said in the aftermath of the news: "We respect Edu's decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.

"Change and evolution is a part of our club. We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition."

Footmercato report that Arsenal are close to appointing Olabe, who announced earlier this season that he was leaving Real Sociedad after eight years of service with the Spanish club.

Track record

It was previously reported that Olabe was of interest to a number of elite European clubs, including the likes of Real Madrid, while he is also said to have a close relationship with Aston Villa's Unai Emery.

During Olabe's second stint with Real Sociedad, the club has undergone a remarkable transformation, with the White and Blues winning their first major trophy for more than three decades when they won the Copa del Rey in 2021.

The side regularly finish in the top six in La Liga, and they also ended a 10-year absence from the Champions League in 2023-24.

Olabe is credited with helping bring the likes of Alexander Isak, Martin Odegaard, David Silva, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi to the club, two of whom have since signed for Arsenal.

Interestingly, Olabe has crossed paths with Arteta in the past, with the sporting director having signed the Gunners boss for Real Sociedad in 2004.

Big shoes to fill

Despite his impressive track record of identifying talent and selling them on for big fees, there is no doubt that Olabe will have big shoes to fill should he make the switch to the Emirates.

During Edu's tenure, he was able to remove a number of high earners, including Mesut Ozil, Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe, clearing the squad and allowing Arteta to build his project.

In terms of incomings, the Brazilian also signed a number of younger players such as Odegaard, William Saliba and Ben White, who have all become crucial for the Gunners in the past two seasons.

There are suggestions that Arteta's power has grown significantly as a result of the team's success on the pitch, and it would seem that Olabe will have to collaborate very closely with the Arsenal boss in order to ensure a smooth running of operations.

However, the club's main focus will no doubt be to help Arteta push towards the Premier League title, with the team set to face Manchester United on Wednesday.