Arsenal's Jason Ayto emerges as top candidate to replace Edu as sporting director

Arsenal's interim sporting director, Jason Ayto, is emerging as a top candidate to permanently replace Edu, who left the club in November. Ayto has gained internal support after impressing the ownership during his two months in the role. Other candidates for the position include Simon Rolfes from Bayer Leverkusen and Roberto Olabe from Real Sociedad. Former Manchester United director Dan Ashworth and ex-Arsenal player Tomas Rosicky have also been mentioned but are not considered leading contenders. Edu's departure was unexpected, as he played a key role in Arsenal's recent success. He is currently on gardening leave and is expected to take a global role with clubs owned by Nottingham Forest's Evangelos Marinakis.