Real Sociedad director of football Roberto Olabe is very happy with a potential move to Arsenal, with the Gunners interested in acquiring his services.
Following tenuous links last week, Basque outlet Noticias de Gipuzkoa report that Arsenal are indeed “very interested” in acquiring Real Sociedad director of football Roberto Olabe as a replacement for the departing Edu Gaspar.
The same outlet adds that Olabe initially intended to take a break and enjoy more time with his family at the end of the season, and that was his reasoning for deciding to end his association with Sociedad.
But Olabe is reportedly “very happy” with Arsenal’s proposal, and the timing of Edu’s departure makes his arrival a very realistic option.
The man himself has stayed vague on his plans for the future, suggesting no decisions have been made and he’s committed to getting through one last campaign with his current club first.
“I understood that it was important to continue working this season for and with the project,” Olabe said.
“The timing of things right now is that I am excited and committed to finishing this season, for good things to continue happening in this club, for us to win something in June, which has been a while and I would like to win again.
“Afterwards I need to listen to other conversations, from other areas, learn about other projects, observe other things to possibly reconnect. I don’t know what it will be, I don’t have anything, I don’t have a date for anything.
“There has been nothing external that has influenced that timing (of the announcement to leave).”
Olabe was the man who signed Mikel Arteta for Real Sociedad during his playing days.
The director of football has done business with Arsenal on a number of occasions, including for Nacho Monreal, Kieran Tierney, and Mikel Merino. Olabe also played a key role in Martin Odegaard’s career after loaning him from Real Madrid.
Having bought and sold the likes of Alexander Isak and David Silva as well, Olabe has a good reputation in football. He’s helped Real Sociedad to consistently compete for European football in recent years, now at five consecutive seasons in European competition.
From Arsenal’s point of view, there is still plenty of time to make a decision. Edu is serving six-months’ notice, Jason Ayto is filling in on an interim basis, and Olabe isn’t available until next June.