Arsenal ‘in advanced talks with Champions League sporting director as Gunners close in on Edu replacement’

ARSENAL’s hunt for a new sporting director may be resolved soon, according to reports.

Last month, Edu resigned from his position with the Gunners to take up a new role at Nottingham Forest.

Real Sociedad director of football Roberto Olabe is in ‘advanced talks’ with Arsenal[/caption]

Arsenal have been looking for a new sporting director after Edu left the club[/caption]

The Brazilian was offered a bumper pay rise at the Emirates, but wanted a new challenge under Evangelos Marinakis in a multi-club role.

Since then, the Gunners have turned their attention to find his replacement.

And according to reports, it appears they have found their man.

Foot Mercato claims that Mikel Arteta’s side are in ‘advanced negotiations’ with Real Sociedad’s director of football, Roberto Olabe.

The 57-year-old has been considered the architect of the La Liga team’s success in recent years.

Olabe announced he would be leaving Real Sociedad at the end of the current campaign.

During his tenure with the Spanish side, Real Sociedad won their first major trophy in three decades when they lifted the Copa del Rey in 2021.

While their league form dramatically improved as they became regulars in the top six.

In 2023-2024, they returned to the Champions League following a 10-year absence.

For the past five seasons, they have qualified for European competition.

Real Sociedad have been lauded for their conveyor belt of talent.

Their success stories include Alexander Isak, Martin Odegaard, David Silva, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino.

Arsenal already have ties with Real Sociedad.

Captain Odegaard and Merino now star for the Premier League side’s first team.

And Nacho Monreal and Kieran Tierney swapped North London for San Sebastian in recent times.

Further still, like Olabe, manager Mikel Arteta is from the Basque Country and starred for the club during his playing days.