Real Sociedad director of football Roberto Olabe is in advanced talks over a move to Arsenal to replace Edu Gaspar, according to a report.
Roberto Olabe of Real Sociedad (Photo via El Diario Vasco)
Photo via El Diario Vasco
Real Sociedad’s Roberto Olabe has been linked with Arsenal by a number of different outlets over the last few weeks. The director of football is set to leave his current club at the end of the season, and the Gunners will have an opening given Edu Gaspar’s impending departure.
Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Olabe is indeed in the frame to join Arsenal, holding talks with the club as Edu’s replacement.
“It’s already well known that Roberto Olabe will leave Real Sociedad and 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,” Di Marzio revealed to MBS.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 31: Edu, Sporting Director of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on March 31, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Basque outlet Noticias de Gipuzkoa reported earlier this month that Arsenal were “very interested” in acquiring Olabe as their new sporting director.
The same outlet added that the 57-year-old initially intended to take a break and enjoy more time with his family at the end of the season, and that was his reasoning for deciding to end his association with Sociedad.
But Olabe is reportedly “very happy” with Arsenal’s proposal, and the timing of Edu’s departure makes his arrival a very realistic option.
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 23: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, gestures during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Emirates Stadium on November 23, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Olabe was the man who signed Mikel Arteta for Real Sociedad during his playing days.
The director of football has done business with Arsenal on a number of occasions, including for Nacho Monreal, Kieran Tierney, and Mikel Merino. Olabe also played a key role in Martin Odegaard’s career after loaning him in from Real Madrid.
Having bought and sold the likes of Alexander Isak and David Silva as well, Olabe has a good reputation in football. He’s helped Real Sociedad to consistently compete for European football in recent years, now at five consecutive seasons in European competition.
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