A contender to replace Edu as Arsenal’s sporting director could target a pair of highly-rated strikers.
The Gunners have been rocked by the resignation of the Brazilian, who has been a key figure in Arsenal’s emergence as Premier League challengers under Mikel Arteta in recent seasons. Jason Ayto, who acted as Edu’s number two, has taken temporary charge of the role as the club draws up candidates for a permanent successor.
One of the leading contenders is believed to be West Ham technical director Tim Steidten, who held a similar role at Bayer Leverkusen. That would be seen as a surprise appointment by some, given the Hammers’ disappointing recent record in the transfer market.
West Ham spent more than £100million in the summer but have failed to make progress under new head coach Julen Lopetegui. To add to the tension at the London Stadium, Steidten was reportedly overruled on big decisions as the club missed out on key targets. Steidten also reportedly had a frosty relationship with previous manager David Moyes.
The Sun reported last month how the German was left frustrated by the club’s failure to complete the signing of Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran when a deal looked a formality. Steidten is also said to have wanted Lille forward Jonathan David, only for the board to baulk at the asking price.
If appointed by the Gunners, Steidten could look to bring those players to the Emirates. Duran has emerged as one of the most lethal super-subs in Europe this season, but he remains behind Ollie Watkins in the pecking order under Unai Emery.
Given his readiness to move to West Ham – he was reprimanded by Villa for doing a ‘crossed Hammers’ gesture with his arms on social media before the transfer fell through – and his lack of starts, it remains possible that Villa could look to cash in on the Colombian. However, he would command a large fee having signed a new contract in October.
David, 24, remains one of the most in-demand strikers in Europe and is enjoying another prolific season in Ligue 1 with Lille. He has also shone in the Champions League, scoring against both Madrid sides in the revamped competition this season.
The Canadian could also be a more realistic target as his contract due expire next summer. David, who has been linked with Liverpool and Juventus, reportedly has no intention of signing a new deal with the French side.
For now, Arsenal are in no rush to appoint Edu’s replacement. Club executives will fly to the US next week to meet with the owners, the Kroenke family, for a meeting that was arranged before Edu’s resignation.
A new sporting director will undoubtedly be discussed, as will the next transfer window, which will be crucial as the Gunners look to haul themselves back into the title race after falling seven points behind leaders Liverpool
