Arsenal are actively searching for a successor to their departing sporting director, Edu, and have reportedly started discussions with Tomás Rosický, according to Footmercato.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 15: Tomas Rosicky of Arsenal applauds supporters while other players wearing no.7 shirts after the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on May 15, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – MAY 15: Tomas Rosicky of Arsenal applauds supporters while other players wearing no.7 shirts after the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on May 15, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Edu, who is currently on gardening leave, announced earlier this week that he is stepping down from his role. He will remain under contract for the next six months, with a formal exit coming by the summer at the end of his notice period.

Arsenal are not wasting any time, however, and have already shortlisted potential candidates for the role.

Among them, Rosický and Per Mertesacker stand out, with Rosický, the 44-year-old former attacking midfielder, having already engaged in talks with the club.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 10: Captain Mikel Arteta of Arsenal holds up the trophy alongside team-mates Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (L) Tomas Rosicky and Santi Cazorla after winning the FA Community Shield match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 10, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 10: Captain Mikel Arteta of Arsenal holds up the trophy alongside team-mates Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (L) Tomas Rosicky and Santi Cazorla after winning the FA Community Shield match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 10, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s interest in Rosický comes as the club seeks a leader capable of continuing Edu‘s progress in recent seasons. The former Czech international, who earned 105 caps for his country, is a familiar face at the Emirates, having made over 240 appearances for Arsenal during his playing career.

He has been Sporting Director with Sparta Prague, the club where his career started, since 2018.

The other candidate, Mertesacker, who is 40, currently heads Arsenal’s academy and has earned praise for his work in developing young talents.

Per Mertesacker shakes hands with Raphie Ljungberg as he signs for the Arsenal academy (Photo via Ljungberg on Instagram)
Per Mertesacker shakes hands with Raphie Ljungberg as he signs for the Arsenal academy (Photo via Ljungberg on Instagram)

Arsenal’s search is also causing ripples at West Ham United, where technical director Tim Steidten is seen as a potential candidate for Edu‘s role.

Steidten, who was recruited by West Ham in July last year, has overseen their recruitment strategy and worked closely with sporting director Mark Noble.

Despite spending over £100 million on new players this season, West Ham’s form has been inconsistent. They have won just three of their opening league matches, losing five and conceding 19 goals.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 07: Tim Steidten, West Ham United Technical Director, looks on prior to the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between West Ham United and Bristol City at London Stadium on January 07, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 07: Tim Steidten, West Ham United Technical Director, looks on prior to the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between West Ham United and Bristol City at London Stadium on January 07, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

In the meantime, Arsenal are planning to expand the responsibilities of assistant sporting director Jason Ayto to help cover the transition.

Ayto is well-regarded within the club for his work alongside Edu and is set to take on broader duties while co-chairman Josh Kroenke, Tim Lewis, and Richard Garlick evaluate the best way forward.