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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Edu's unexpected exit leaves position open</li><li>Rosicky currently sporting director at Sparta Prague</li><li>Mertesacker is Arsenal academy manager</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Two former Arsenal favourites emerge as contenders to replace Edu as sporting director after shock exit announcement

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<p>After Edu's shock resignation earlier this week, Arsenal have emphasised the importance of targeting ex-Gunners players to replace for the former 'Invincible', and two names from their recent history have emerged as top candidates for the job.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>According to <a href="https://t.co/INWocaEaxy" target="_blank"><em>Foot Mercato</em></a>, both Rosicky and Mertesacker featured on the pitch for Arsenal in the 2010s, with Rosicky serving from 2006-2016, while Mertesacker was on the Gunners' books from 2011-2018. With nearly 500 appearances for the club between them, both were popular figures with fans, with Mertesacker even captaining the side for two years from 2016.</p><p>While the German has no previous experience as a sporting director, Rosicky boasts six years of service in the same job at boyhood club Sparta Prague, putting him in pole position for the vacant Arsenal role.</p><p>It is said that both former players are 'highly appreciated' by club officials, and an announcement on Edu's successor is expected in the next couple of weeks.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>In a statement released following Edu's departure from his role at the Gunners, Arsenal officials said: "We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart."</p>

WHAT ARSENAL HAVE SAID

<p>Arsenal continue their Premier League journey as they prepare for life without Edu, travelling across London to face an in-form Chelsea, who thrashed Armenian side Noah 8-0 in the Conference League in midweek. The Gunners are coming off the back of a narrow 1-0 defeat to Inter in the Champions League - a game in which they were dominant but punished for failing to create clear-cut chances.</p><p>They will be hoping to rectify their midweek mistakes during their visit to Stamford Bridge at 4.30pm on Sunday.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

Two former Arsenal favourites emerge as contenders to replace Edu as sporting director after shock exit announcement | Goal.com

Former Arsenal players Tomas Rosicky and Per Mertesacker are candidates to replace Edu as the club&apos;s sporting director following his shock exit.