Real Sociedad sporting director Roberto Olabe is manager Mikel Arteta’s preference to replace Edu at Arsenal, according to the Daily Mail.
The Gunners are looking to bring in the perfect man for the job after the Brazilian left, and Dan Ashworth has been recently linked with the position.
He left Manchester United over the weekend after just five months as their sporting director, and his long-standing relationship with Arsenal managing director Richard Garlick has seen him emerge as a candidate.
However, Arteta prefers a reunion with Olabe due to their existing relationship.
The Spaniard signed the Arsenal boss as a player in 2004 during his spell as Sociedad manager, and he is leaving the La Liga club at the end of the season.
Olabe is also well-known at the North London club having overseen the sale of Mikel Merino to them, and landing him could be a great move given his huge experience in the game.
The Gunners want to establish themselves as perennial Premier League and Champions League winners going forward, and they need a sporting director capable of taking them to the next level.
Ashworth also fits the bill after his job at Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United, and while Arteta could prefer Olabe, the former Man United chief cannot be completely ruled out of the job.
Garlick’s powerbase at Arsenal has grown since Edu departed and he will have a huge say in deciding who replaces the Brazilian.
The sway of the Gunners managing director could work in Ashworth’s favour should he be willing to work at Arsenal, and the club have to make sure they get the perfect fit for the position.