Mikel Arteta is said to have a preference as to which candidate he would like to see appointed as Arsenal’s new sporting director following the exit of Edu.
The Brazilian’s unexpected exit in November sparked the mid-season hunt for his successor, with managing director Richard Garlick tasked with leading the search. Reports in recent days have linked Dan Ashworth as a target following his sacking from Manchester United.
His dismissal came as a shock to most, having spent just five months in the role after being headhunted over the summer. United paid around £3million to prise him out of gardening leave at Newcastle United but was shown the door on Saturday amid assumed boardroom disagreements.
Arsenal are said to be mulling over a potential move for Ashworth given his close relationship with Garlick. The pair spent three years together at West Bromwich Albion between 2010 and 2013 and the duo apparently still hold a strong connection.
The Daily Mail, though, says Arteta prefers another possible candidate, which could impact who is ultimately appointed. Real Sociedad chief Roberto Olabe has been linked with the Arsenal vacancy for some time with the 57-year-old set to leave his employers next summer.
Arteta knows Olabe from his time playing under him in 2004 while he was manager of Real Sociedad. However, the Gunners would have to pay compensation to the Spanish club should they wish to bring him in before his contract expires.
It is unclear whether Arsenal will bring someone in ahead of the January transfer window and even if they did, there is little time for him to bed in and draw up transfer targets before the new year.
Ashworth would cost Arsenal nothing to acquire given he is now not tied to a contract, which may be appealing given compensation counts towards spending limits.