Arsenal are considering a move to bring Dan Ashworth in as the club’s new sporting director, following his shock exit at Manchester United.
A mutual decision was made for Ashworth to leave his role at Manchester United this week, just five months after his appointment at Old Trafford.
United had paid around £2m-£3m to prise Ashworth away from Newcastle United, with the 53-year-old placed on gardening leave as the two clubs sought a compensation package. However, his tenure has come to a premature end in a decision described as ‘difficult’ at Old Trafford.
Arsenal have now emerged as potential suitors for Ashworth, who built a strong reputation during spells with the FA, Brighton and Newcastle.
The Gunners are seeking a replacement for Edu, who left his role as sporting director at the Emirates last month. Edu stepped down after five-and-a-half years in the position, where he worked closely alongside Mikel Arteta to overhaul the Arsenal squad.
The Brazilian is expected to take up a role under the Marinakis group, overseeing the development of Nottingham Forest, Greek side Olympiacos and Portugal’s Rio Ave.
Sky Sports are reporting that Ashworth has now been mentioned as a successor to Edu, given his ‘good relationship with managing director Richard Garlick’.
The pair previously worked together at West Bromwich Albion. Edu’s previous number two, Jason Ayto, is currently occupying the sporting director role and is under consideration.
Another option is Real Sociedad’s Roberto Olabe, who will leave the Spanish side at the end of the season. The highly-rated Olabe was involved in several successful Sociedad signings, including the recruitment of Alexander Isak and loan capture of current Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.
