Arsenal and Premier League rivals on red alert after surprise Real Sociedad exit
Arsenal are currently in the market for a new sporting director and they could soon be among the club's chasing Real Sociedad's outgoing director of football Roberto Olabe
by Dan Marsh · The MirrorA number of elite clubs are expected to court Real Sociedad director of football Roberto Olabe after it was announced he would soon be leaving his role.
The Spaniard, 57, is highly regarded for the work he has done with the La Liga outfit since returning for a second spell with the club back in 2018. And he is unlikely to be short of suitors once he moves on at the end of the season.
As detailed by The Athletic, Olabe has a contract which runs until 2026 but has opted to leave early. He informed the club hierarchy of his decision back in the summer to give them ample time to arrange a succession plan.
The report also confirms that Olabe was in contention for roles at both Aston Villa and Real Madrid in recent years, such is his standing within the game.
And news of his departure comes at an intriguing time in the Premier League, where Arsenal are in the market for a new sporting director following the shock departure of Edu.
The Brazilian, who has played an influential role in the club's revitalisation alongside Mikel Arteta in recent years, is poised to take up a global head of football role with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis after resigning from Arsenal earlier this month.
Intriguingly, there is a link between Arteta and Olabe, with the latter signing the Spaniard during his first spell at Real Sociedad. It has been widely reported that Arteta will have a say in who succeeds Edu at the helm once his gardening leave is up.
Join the debate! Who do you want to succeed Edu at Arsenal? Let us know here.
Edu's assistant, Jayson Ayto, is currently undertaking the former midfielder's duties after he elected to seek a new challenge elsewhere. Explaining his decision to the club's official website, Edu said: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make.
"Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.
“I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend.
“Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”
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