West Ham United fear that technical director Tim Steidten could be in the running to replace Edu as Arsenal’s sporting director, according to the Telegraph.

Assistant sporting director Jason Ayto has stepped up on an interim basis to replace the Brazilian, but they plan to bring in a permanent successor soon.

Steidten is currently in charge of player recruitment and scouting at West Ham, working closely with sporting director Mark Noble.

The 45-year-old previously worked for Werder Bremen and Bayer Leverkusen in a similar role, and it is surprising that Arsenal have been linked with him.

The Hammers have struggled this term following poor recruitment in the summer, and the Gunners could do better than Steidten in their bid to get the perfect man for the vacant sporting director role.

West Ham won the Europa Conference League in 2022-23, with the German arriving shortly afterwards in July 2023, and they have struggled in Europe and in the Premier League since.

Replacing Edu is a decision Arsenal cannot afford to rush, and club officials will meet next week to outline squad-building plans for 2025.

They are planning to bring in one or two players in January who are capable of improving their fortunes in the second half of the season.

Ayto should be capable of overseeing that, having played a key role in helping Edu during negotiations during the last summer transfer window.

The Portuguese-speaking former video analyst is well-regarded in European football circles. He will be supported by incoming director of football operations James King going forward.