Arsenal have already initiated discussions with their former Tomas Rosicky as they look to replace departed Sporting director Edu, according to French outlet Foot Mercato.

The current manager of their academy Per Mertesacker is also in the running for the job and the 40-year-old has pleased the management following the impressive job he has done since his appointment.

Arsenal have already asked Jason Ayto, who was named assistant sporting director last year, to step up to replace the Brazilian on an interim basis as they search for a new sporting director.

Rosicky spent ten seasons with the Gunners, making 247 appearances and winning the FA Cup and FA Community Shield in 2014, and he is currently the sporting director of Czech Republic top-flight club Sparta Prague.

The 44-year-old was named the assistant sporting director of his childhood club in January 2018 before taking up his current role in December 2018.

His job has impressed Arsenal having helped Sparta win two Czech First League titles and two Czech Cups since becoming sporting director.

While Rosicky has what it takes to succeed Edu and help lead the Gunners to the next level, the growth their academy has experienced under Mertesacker speaks volumes, with plenty of youngsters breaking into the first-team since he became the academy manager in July 2018.

Arsenal have also been linked with West Ham United technical director Tim Steidten, and more names are expected to emerge going forward.

Edu will now serve a six-month notice period having been placed on gardening leave after leaving the Gunners, and he is expected to take up a role working with the group of clubs controlled by Evangelos Marinakis.

That includes Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, Olympiacos of Greece and Portugal’s Rio Ave, and such a job was too tempting for him to turn down.