In a significant development surrounding Arsenal’s potential future plans, Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has cast doubt on the club’s interest in bringing in West Ham’s Tim Steidten as a replacement for Edu Gaspar.
Steidten, the German football expert who took on the role of West Ham’s technical director in 2023, has recently been linked with the vacant position at Arsenal following Edu’s departure earlier this month. However, Wyness, who has a wealth of experience in football consultancy and previously served as the CEO at Goodison Park, suggests that Arsenal is unlikely to make such a move.
Speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained that while Steidten has been involved in some high-profile appointments and transfers, his recent track record could make him an unlikely candidate for the prestigious role at the Emirates. According to Wyness, bringing Steidten to Arsenal could be seen as “rewarding failure,” particularly given his involvement in the underwhelming managerial appointment of Julen Lopetegui at West Ham, a move that could ultimately cost Steidten his place at the club.
Arsenal’s search for a new technical director has intensified following the news that Edu left the club to take up a lucrative position in Evangelos Marinakis’ multi-club organisation. Steidten, who arrived at West Ham in July 2023 after successful stints with Bayer Leverkusen and Werder Bremen, has already seen his fair share of challenges at the London Stadium. His relationship with then-manager David Moyes was reportedly rocky, and his role in the appointment of Lopetegui has been criticized, with many blaming Steidten for the decision to bring in the Spanish coach, whose tenure at the club has not been successful.
In light of this, Wyness believes that Steidten’s time at West Ham could be drawing to a close. “He won that battle with Moyes, but now he’s responsible for the failed appointment of Lopetegui,” Wyness noted. “He’ll carry the can for that, and it’s hard to see him bouncing back from that. Arsenal, with their current executive structure, might not be willing to take on that kind of baggage.” While Steidten’s expertise in player recruitment and club strategy cannot be dismissed, Wyness suggests that the Arsenal hierarchy is likely to go in a different direction, preferring someone with a stronger and more proven track record in terms of managerial appointments and overall football operations.
Though Steidten’s tenure at West Ham has been marked by challenges, it’s worth noting that his reputation as a transfer guru remains intact. He was instrumental in overseeing the recruitment of key players at Bayer Leverkusen, and his work in the German Bundesliga has been widely regarded as highly effective. However, as Wyness points out, the challenges Steidten faced in his first year at West Ham could have lasting repercussions for his career, particularly if the club decides to part ways with Lopetegui.
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Wyness also touched on the changing landscape at West Ham, where Steidten could find himself under increasing pressure if the club opts to make managerial changes. “If Lopetegui goes, Steidten could be next,” Wyness warned, adding further fuel to the speculation about the technical director’s future. The current situation at West Ham, combined with Steidten’s past decisions, leaves many questioning whether his next move will be to a high-profile club like Arsenal or whether his career could take a different turn.
In the meantime, Arsenal’s search for a new technical director continues. The club is reportedly considering a number of candidates, looking for someone who can build on the solid foundations laid by Edu, who was instrumental in overseeing key signings and strategic decisions at the club. While Steidten’s name had been floated as a potential successor, the growing concern surrounding his recent role at West Ham could be enough to turn the Gunners away from making a move for the German executive.
Arsenal’s executive team, led by manager Mikel Arteta, has shown an aptitude for a collaborative approach to transfers and football operations. The club has steadily improved under Arteta’s leadership, securing key signings and pushing for top honors in both domestic and European competitions. As a result, it’s likely that the next technical director will need to fit into this well-structured, team-oriented environment, and Steidten’s previous challenges may not align with that vision.
The club’s pursuit of a new technical director is just one of many strategic moves Arsenal is considering as they look to secure continued success. With the Gunners aiming to build on their recent strong performances, including their challenge for the Premier League title and progress in Europe, the right appointment in the technical director role will be crucial for their long-term plans.
While the departure of Edu has left a significant gap in the club’s operations, it’s clear that Arsenal’s leadership is committed to making a measured and strategic decision. The next technical director will not only need to have experience in player recruitment and development but must also align with the club’s evolving vision, which is focused on success at both the domestic and international levels.
As the search continues, Arsenal fans are likely hoping for a candidate who can continue the momentum that the club has gained in recent seasons. Whether Steidten remains in the running for the role or whether Arsenal looks elsewhere, one thing is certain: the technical director position is a pivotal one, and the Gunners will want to make the right choice for their future.
For now, Arsenal’s decision to pull the plug on a move for Steidten, as suggested by Wyness, leaves the door open for other potential candidates. The club’s executive team is sure to weigh all options carefully as they look to secure the right individual to take them to the next level. As for Steidten, the next chapter of his career may not involve a move to the Emirates, but his expertise and future in English football remain a subject of intense discussion.