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Arsenal are reportedly advancing in talks with Real Sociedad sporting director Roberto Olabe over replacing Edu at the Emirates. The Gunners are searching for a new director after the Brazilian surprisingly decided to leave last month.
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claims the north Londoners are closing in on Olabe. The Spaniard is set to leave Reale Arena in the summer, and Di Marzio suggests he'll be headed to the Premier League (via MBS):
"It’s already well known that Roberto Olabe will leave Real Sociedad & I have been told that he is in advanced talks with Arsenal to replace Edu, so I think he could start a new era at Arsenal."
Olabe has been in his role with Sociedad since 2018 and has overseen some impressive signings. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, David Silva and Alexander Isak were recruitments made by the Spaniard.
Mikel Arteta has worked with Edu since his appointment as manager in 2019. It has led to a complete overhaul of the Gunners squad with Odegaard, Declan Rice, William Saliba and David Raya among those signed by the Brazilian.
Edu is expected to take up a CEO role in Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis' group to oversee recruitment. He held a good relationship with Arteta, which was one of the most important aspects behind the club challenging for the title.
Mikel Arteta insisted Arsenal's project would remain strong despite Edu's exit
Edu (left) has left Arsenal after five years with his former playing club (Image - Getty)" srcset="https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/11/d2a3b-17328716441534-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/11/d2a3b-17328716441534-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/11/d2a3b-17328716441534-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/11/d2a3b-17328716441534-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/11/d2a3b-17328716441534-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/11/d2a3b-17328716441534-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/11/d2a3b-17328716441534-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/11/d2a3b-17328716441534-1920.jpg 1920w">
Edu (left) has left Arsenal after five years with his former playing club (Image - Getty)
Arteta made clear that Edu's departure didn't mean the club's ambition to continue tussling at the top of European football would be disrupted. The Gunners boss said (via BBC Sport):
"The plan and vision, that starts with the ownership, that is very clear and very ambitious is going to continue. We have a very strong leadership team with an unbelievable know-how, a real passion and great feelings for the club, we're not going to stop where we are at the moment."
Arteta arrived at the Emirates in 2019, with the club struggling to keep up in the top-four race. He's propelled the north London giants into title challengers, finishing second in the last two seasons.
According to Metro, Edu spent £794 million during his time with the Gunners. One of those signings was Odegaard, who arrived in 2021 for £30 million. Olabe will know the Norweigan playmaker well from his spell at Sociedad on loan from Real Madrid in 2019.
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Edited by Matthew Guyett