Arsenal ‘target 2 former stars to replace Edu’ with 1 is already in the building

ARSENAL have reportedly identified two potential candidates to replace outgoing sporting director Edu Gaspar - and both are ex-Gunners.

The club officially announced Edu's resignation and imminent departure on Monday.

A statement read: "We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart."

The Brazilian is expected to join Evangelos Marinakis' multi-club group  in a senior role at the end of his six-month notice and gardening leave period.

Jason Ayto has temporarily stepped in while Arsenal chiefs scout Edu's permanent successor.

And according to French outlet Foot Mercato, two potential candidates have already been identified.

Former Gunners Per Mertesacker and Tomas Rosicky are said to be "highly appreciated" by club officials.

Mertesacker already works for Arsenal as manager of the club's academy.

He previously made 221 appearances for the Gunners across seven years before hanging up his boots.

Meanwhile, Rosicky is the sporting director of Sparta Prague.

Having previously worked as an assistant to ex-chief Zdenek Scasny, he was promoted in December 2018.

The midfielder spent 10 years with Arsenal as a player and made 246 appearances.

Club officials are said to be open to different options in their search for a new sporting director.

They are not insistent on replacing Edu like-for-like with an ex-player.