Arsenal cult hero and former teammate of Mikel Arteta, on the list of candidates to replace Edu as sporting director

Arsenal have included former midfielder Tomas Rosicky in their shortlist to appoint a new sporting director, talkSPORT understands.

Cult hero Rosicky, who spent ten years at the club before leaving north London in 2016, could return to the club in a senior role.

The 44-year-old is believed to still maintain close links with two of his former team-mates in the first-team boss. Mikel Arteta and the director of the academy, Per Mertesacker.

Rosicky has a lot of experience under his belt: he was appointed sporting director of Czech giants Sparta Prague in 2018.

Sparta Prague returned to the Champions League proper this season for the first time since their group stage appearance in 2005.

Arsenal They are believed to be impressed by the work he has done to turn around Sparta's fortunes, which also include back-to-back national league titles.

But it looks like Rosicky will compete with other candidates in line to replace Edu, who left office in November.

Current interim sporting director Jason Ayto is also believed to be in the running to fill the role permanently.

Ayto started working at the club in 2014 as a video analyst. After impressing, Ayto landed the role of chief scout and recruiting coordinator during the 2020/21 season.

He was promoted to deputy sports director in 2023, working as Edu's right-hand man.

He is known for his eye for talent and is often praised for his exemplary work ethic and understanding of data.

Arsenal were previously credited with an interest in Paris Saint Germain Sports advisor Luis Campos before the end of the Portuguese contract.

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But Rosicky would undoubtedly prove to be the romantic choice and his connection with the club could go a long way in deciding who is offered the job.

Rosicky has spoken of his admiration for Arsenal and, in particular, Arteta, who has turned the Gunners into perennial title contenders.

Asked about the Spaniard's managerial credentials, Rosicky said: “Yes, he had it, you could see it for a long time.

“Even when he was, when we were playing together, already preparing for his next step when he would retire, he was already doing his badges as a player, things like that.

“So you could see the leadership qualities that he had before. And you can see them now on the bench and of course I wish him the best and I hope they do it, that they can achieve it.”

“I think last season they showed it. I think Mikel himself and the entire club have what it takes to win it. Of course they have to prove it, they have to prove it and I think they will present another good challenge and we will keep our fingers crossed.”