Arsenal in Advanced Talks with Roberto Olabe to Replace Edu Gaspar as Sporting Director

A report has revealed that Roberto Olabe, the current director of football at Real Sociedad, is in advanced talks with Arsenal to become the club’s next sporting director. Olabe, who has been with Real Sociedad for six years, will leave his position at the end of the 2024/25 season. This move comes after Arsenal’s shock resignation of Edu Gaspar earlier this month, leaving the club searching for a replacement.

Arsenal is taking their time with this decision, wanting to make sure they find the right person to lead the club’s football operations. Olabe, 57, has emerged as one of the top candidates, with Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio confirming that negotiations between the two parties are progressing well.

Olabe has had a successful career at Real Sociedad, where he played a key role in the club’s impressive recruitment. He helped bring in players like David Silva, Alexander Isak, and Martin Ødegaard (who is now the captain of Arsenal). He was also behind the recent £31.6m (€38m) transfer of Mikel Merino to Arsenal this summer, a major signing for the Gunners.

Arsenal fans are excited about the prospect of Olabe joining, especially since he has helped build strong connections with players who are now part of Arsenal’s squad. With his experience in the Spanish football market and his relationship with current Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, many see him as a great fit for the job.

While Olabe is the frontrunner, Arsenal is considering other candidates for the sporting director role as well. Among those being considered are Luis Campos of Paris Saint-Germain, free agent Leonardo, Ralf Rangnick, the current manager of the Austria national team, Phil Giles of Brentford, and Monchi from Aston Villa.

Fans are particularly excited about the possibility of Olabe joining Arsenal, with one supporter noting his success in bringing top talent to Real Sociedad. The fan also pointed out Olabe’s ties to players like Isak, Merino, and David Raya, which could benefit Arsenal in the future.

If Olabe does take the role, he would be starting a new chapter at Arsenal, one that fans hope will lead to continued success both on and off the pitch. With his experience and reputation, Olabe could play a key role in building a strong and competitive squad for years to come.