Arsenal will soon be without sporting director Edu Gaspar (46), one of the most important people in building a team that is fighting for the top of the Premier League.

The former Brazilian midfielder is one of the most responsible for Arsenal's progress in recent years alongside manager Mikel Arteta.

Five years ago Edu was hired at Arsenal as technical director and two years ago he moved to the post of sporting director.

It was the first time in Arsenal's history that someone had become sporting director. Edu played for Corinthians, Arsenal and Valencia, and made 15 appearances for Brazil.

The leadership of the club started looking for his successor and according to information from the island's media, the list of candidates was reduced to two names: Per Mertesacker and Tomash Rosicky.

Club officials are said to have already had a conversation with Rosicky and will soon sit down with Mertesacker as well. Since 2018, Rosicky is the sporting director of Sparta Prague. Meanwhile, Mertesacker has been a coach in Arsenal's youth team for years.