Arsenal’s plans to continue their rise as one of Europe’s elite clubs could be bolstered by a pivotal change in the club’s structure, as the Gunners reportedly move closer to securing a new sporting director.
With Edu’s recent shock departure from the role, Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy are set to appoint a replacement who could play a significant role in Arsenal’s transfer ambitions — particularly in the race for Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi. The potential hiring of two top candidates — Thiago Scuro and Roberto Olabe — could bring both tactical expertise and critical connections to help Arsenal secure a move for Zubimendi, a player the club has been chasing for some time.
Edu’s unexpected resignation last week left many Arsenal supporters stunned. After playing a key role in transforming the club’s fortunes, particularly in the transfer market, Edu’s decision to step down comes as a major blow. The Brazilian sporting director, who helped recruit marquee signings like Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, and William Saliba, has chosen to pursue a new challenge at Evangelos Marinakis’ group of clubs, which includes Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos, and Rio Ave. While Edu is still on gardening leave, his departure has prompted Arsenal to act quickly to find a worthy successor.
With the Gunners aiming to build on the success of last season’s title challenge, the appointment of a new sporting director is crucial. Arsenal have already been linked with several potential candidates, with West Ham United’s Tim Steidten rumored as a surprise option. However, the leading contenders for the job seem to be Roberto Olabe and Thiago Scuro. Both candidates bring their own unique strengths to the table, but it is Olabe who is believed to be Arsenal’s top target.
Roberto Olabe, currently with Real Sociedad, has been instrumental in shaping the Spanish club into one of the most well-run teams in Europe. The 57-year-old has overseen several key signings during his time at Sociedad, including high-profile acquisitions like David Silva, Martin Ødegaard, and Alexander Isak, all of whom were sold for significant profits. Olabe’s ability to identify and develop talent has made him a respected figure in European football, and his potential appointment at Arsenal has sent ripples through the industry.
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One of the most significant impacts of Olabe’s potential arrival at Arsenal would be his ability to assist in the club’s pursuit of Zubimendi, the highly-rated Sociedad midfielder. Olabe’s strong ties with the Spanish club could give Arsenal a decisive advantage in securing Zubimendi’s signature. The 25-year-old has been a long-term target for Arsenal, and Arteta is known to be a big admirer of the Spain international. With Olabe’s connections, Arsenal could finally secure the services of Zubimendi, who has previously rejected interest from Liverpool in the summer of 2023.
For Arsenal fans, this potential signing could prove to be a game-changer. Zubimendi would bring significant quality to the midfield, adding dynamism, ball progression, and defensive solidity. His technical ability, coupled with his maturity on the ball, makes him a perfect fit for Arteta’s high-pressing, possession-based style of play. The Spaniard’s decision to turn down Liverpool’s advances last summer has not deterred Arsenal, who remain determined to land him in the near future. With Olabe’s backing, the Gunners could finally have the edge in securing the highly-coveted talent.
Liverpool are still hopeful of landing Zubimendi in the summer of 2025, but Arsenal’s pursuit is gaining momentum. If Olabe takes the reins at Arsenal, his deep connections at Sociedad could turn the tide in Arsenal’s favor. Having worked closely with Zubimendi at Sociedad, Olabe may be able to convince the midfielder that a move to the Premier League is the next step in his career. This would not only be a major transfer coup for Arsenal but would also be a direct blow to Liverpool’s long-term plans.
In addition to Olabe, Thiago Scuro is another candidate in the running for the sporting director role. Scuro, who has made a name for himself at AS Monaco, has built a reputation as a savvy operator in the transfer market. A Brazilian compatriot of Edu, Scuro has gained widespread admiration for his ability to identify and scout young talent, with a particular emphasis on making high-profit sales. His work at Monaco has been instrumental in the club’s success, which sees them sitting second in Ligue 1 and in a strong position in the Champions League.
Under Scuro’s guidance, Monaco have been able to secure impressive profits from player sales, including the departure of Axel Disasi for a substantial fee. Meanwhile, Scuro’s scouting network has allowed the club to bring in players like Folarin Balogun, Denis Zakaria, and Thilo Kehrer, all of whom have made an impact on the squad. This ability to find value in the transfer market has made Scuro a highly sought-after figure in European football, and his potential appointment at Arsenal would bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the club.
Scuro’s strengths lie in his ability to identify emerging talent and his success in selling players for big profits. This would make him an attractive option for Arsenal, who have shown a keen eye for talent in recent years. However, it is Olabe who seems to be the frontrunner for the role, largely due to his imminent availability as a free agent. Olabe’s decision to leave Real Sociedad at the end of the season has alerted several clubs, with Arsenal now in pole position to secure his signature.
For Arsenal, the appointment of either Olabe or Scuro would be a statement of intent. Both men bring different strengths to the table, but the key to Arsenal’s future success could lie in the connections and expertise of their new sporting director. With the club aiming to compete at the highest level, securing Zubimendi and continuing their progress in the transfer market will be paramount.
As the January transfer window approaches, Arsenal’s pursuit of Zubimendi could become a central focus of the club’s strategy. With Olabe potentially arriving to help guide this process, Arsenal will be well-positioned to land one of the most coveted midfielders in Europe. If Olabe can leverage his relationship with Sociedad, the Gunners could see their dreams of landing Zubimendi become a reality — and continue their charge for Premier League and European glory.
In conclusion, Arsenal’s pursuit of Roberto Olabe as their next sporting director could prove to be a key moment in their transfer strategy. With Olabe’s strong connections at Real Sociedad and his pivotal role in the development of Martin Zubimendi, the Gunners could have the inside track on securing the midfielder’s signature. With both Olabe and Scuro in the frame for the role, it’s clear that Arsenal are focused on bolstering their sporting structure as they aim to strengthen their squad and build on their success in both domestic and European competitions.