Arsenal fans may still be reeling from the news that sporting director Edu is to depart the club but the search for his successor has already begun. It was confirmed on Monday that the Brazilian had agreed a deal to work with Evangelos Marinakis, who owns a number of clubs including Premier League side Nottingham Forest.

The development has added to the current state of anxiety at the Emirates, with the Gunners already in danger of being cast adrift in the title race.

Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Newcastle, which was followed by a first Champions League loss of the campaign at Inter Milan in midweek, leaves Mikel Arteta’s team seven points off Premier League leaders Liverpool after just 10 games.

And who replaces Edu could now have a crucial bearing on future club success, as well as Arteta’s future. The Spaniard enjoyed a close working relationship with the 46-year-old, who was instrumental in appointing him as manager in late 2019.

Since then, the pair have orchestrated some pivotal singings, with the likes of Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard, and William Saliba’s much-lauded additions. And according to Foot Mercato, the north London club are again targeting former players to oversee their transfer business.

Both Tomas Rosicky and Per Mertesacker are said to be in the frame. The Czech midfielder played 247 times in a decade-long stint at the club under Arsene Wenger, and featured in their 2013/14 FA Cup final win over Hull City.

Following retirement, he took on the role of sporting director at Sparta Prague. He’s now been in the job for six years, but talks with his former club have reportedly already been initiated.

Ex-German defender Mertesacker meanwhile, would signify an internal appointment. Like Rosicky, he’s revered at the club for his exploits as a player, making 221 appearances and winning the FA Cup three times.

But after hanging up his boots in 2018, he’s stayed within the club ranks. The 40-year-old is currently in charge of the club’s Hale End academy system, and has been credited for bringing Ethan Nwaneri through the ranks.

Any potential appointment won’t be swift however, with Edu set to serve a notice period with reduced responsibilities before leaving. He is thought to be beginning his final six months at the club before joining Marinakis.

It means that even if Rosicky or Mertesacker were handed the job, they likely wouldn’t be able to influence the current campaign. Instead, they’d start the post just ahead of the 2025 summer transfer window.