Arsenal eyeing new sporting director in March

Arsenal are working to find a new sporting director, with the position vacant following Edu Gaspar's resignation in November. Jason Ayto has since occupied the role on an interim basis and could very well be promoted permanently after spending a decade at the Emirates. That said, there are also other candidates in line for the job - as reported by 'The Athletic'.
Forer Man United sporting director Dan Ashworth has been linked to Arsenal since Gaspar's departure. His experience in the role makes him one of the leading contenders, though the past year has not been the easiest to digest. The 53-year-old was arrived at Old Trafford in July 2024 after prolonged talks with Newcastle as Sir Jim Ratcliffe oversaw numerous changes behind the scenes. But his time with the Red Devils was short-lived as he left the role after five months at the club.
Andrea Berta's name came up after reports emerged that he has spent time in London to study English for a potential role in the Premier League. The Italy international left Atletico Madrid last month after spending 12 years at the Spanish capital, overseeing major transfers such as Antoine Griezmann's departure and return, Rodri's move to Manchester City and Jan Oblak's signing in goal.
Currently at Real Sociedad, Roberto Olabe is set to step down from his role as sporting director this summer, opening the door for a possible move to Arsenal. The 57-year-old is said to maintain a positive relationship with the Gunners, who have been known to show interest in 'Txuri-Urdin' players in recent years. The English side have bought Mikel Merino from the Basque club and have also engaged in talks over the likes of Kieran Tierney, Martin Zubimendi, and Nacho Monreal.
Mocaco CEO Thiago Scuro is the final candidate for the role. The Brazilian could bring several business opportunities to Arsenal, given his experience in the chief executive position of the Principality club. Scuro's strategy of lowering the average age of his teams by promoting academy players could align with the Gunners', who are known for nurturing talents in their youth ranks. Bellerin, Gnabry, Iwobi, Willock, Smith Rowe, Saka and Nwaneri have all risen from the Arsenal academy in recent years.