Arsenal are in the hunt for a new technical director after the shock departure of Edu Gaspar, and they could turn to a familiar face.

Mikel Arteta worked in tandem with Edu, as both former Arsenal midfielders helped each other build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title.

Edu made the sudden decision to step down, and Arsenal have also been linked with a surprise move for West Ham director Tim Steidten.

However, two former players are also in the running to replace Edu, and Arsenal have already spoken to one over a sensational return to the club.

Arsenal hold talks with Tomas Rosicky over sporting director role

It has now been reported by FootMercato that former Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky has been spoken to over a return to the club.

Rosicky is currently sporting director at Sparta Prague, where he began and ended his playing career, with spells at Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal in between.

The Czech midfielder was a cult hero at Arsenal and a popular figure, having spent 10 years at the club between 2006 and 2016.

Arsenal have “held discussions” with Rosicky over a return, whilst they are also considering another former teammate of his.

Arsenal considering Per Mertesacker as Edu Gaspar replacement

The report has also claimed that former Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker is also under consideration to replace Edu.

Mertesacker, Rosicky and Arteta all played together, with the trio winning two FA Cups, and all three left the club within two years of each other.

The German is currently the head of the Arsenal Academy, and it remains to be seen whether he will want to abandon this role to take up the more senior position.

Both targets clearly indicate that Arsenal value options who know the club well, although no decision has yet been made on whether they will want to make an internal or external appointment.

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