Arsenal haven’t made a final decision on their new sporting director, but they’re down to just four candidates, according to a report.
Sami Mokbel reports for the Daily Mail that Arsenal are yet to make a decision on their next sporting director, but the shortlist is now down to four candidates at most.
A final round of internal discussions will take place before a decision is made, and no formal offers has been presented to any of the candidates.
Two people definitely still in the mix are Andrea Berta, formerly of Atletico Madrid, and Jason Ayto, Arsenal’s interim sporting director.
Josh Kroenke’s presence in London for a training session on Monday was perhaps an indicator that the process is in the final stages, particularly given he was pictured alongside Ayto and managing director Richard Garlick.
If you’re going to make a big decision about the club’s hierarchy, you probably want a representative of the owners around to take part in that call.
Ayto has impressed internally and he’s been heavily involved in putting together Arsenal’s summer plans, which helps, but some at the club view an experienced high-profile external appointment as the way to go.
David Ornstein recently reported that Ayto, Berta, Dan Ashworth (ex-Newcastle and Manchester United), Roberto Olabe (Real Sociedad), and Thiago Scuro (Monaco) were all in the mix. Evidently at least one of those options has since been ruled out.