Arsenal have narrowed down their search to replace Edu as sporting director, with a former player leading the way, according to a report.
Mail Sport exclusively revealed in November that Edu would be leaving the north London club after five years with the Gunners – news that was officially confirmed later that afternoon.
He is soon expected to lead the multi-club operation of Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, taking an umbrella position within Marinakis' portfolio of clubs including Forest, Olympiacos and Rio Ave.
That has left the Gunners looking for someone to replace the Brazilian, and according to The Guardian they could turn to a former midfielder to take on the role.
It is reported that Tomas Rosicky, who played for the Gunners between 2006 and 2016, could take on the role, although any transfer would be postponed until the end of the season.
The 44-year-old has worked as sporting director of Sparta Prague since 2018 and is said to have played regularly for the Gunners. He played with first team boss Mikel Arteta at the Emirates.
Since taking over at Sparta in his native Czech Republic, Rosicky has overseen an improvement on the pitch that has seen the club return to the Champion League this season for the first time since 2005.
Arsenal have reportedly been impressed by Rosicky's record, with the Czech club winning the league in the past two seasons.
However, the man himself would like to end the season with his current club, despite the fact that he is looking for a new challenge.
Meanwhile, Arsenal's leadership group, including CEO Richard Garlick and Arteta, are said to be willing to take their time.
Jason Ayto, Edu's former deputy, has stepped aside temporarily since his former senior's departure and Arsenal are believed to have set their sights on appointing someone with more experience.
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