Looking to end a run of back-to-back defeats when they face Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday, Arsenal are also on the search for a new sporting director.

Currently fifth in the Premier League, Arsenal recently learned that Edu, one of the main figures in the re-build at the Emirates in recent years, would be leaving the club. The search for his successor is already underway. According to a report from Foot Mercato, two former Gunners in the form of Tomáš Rosický and Per Mertesacker, are in the running.

Arsenal appreciate the duo and Foot Mercato understands that there are even discussions with Rosický and Mertesacker with a view to hiring one of the pair to replace the outgoing Edu. Rosický, who made 246 appearances for Arsenal, is currently working as a sporting director at Sparta Prague. Mertesacker, who made 221 appearances for The Gunners, is currently working as an academy manager at the club.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle