The corridors of power at the Emirates Stadium are buzzing with activity. Following the sudden departure of the influential Edu Gaspar, Arsenal have embarked on a crucial mission to find their next sporting director. At the forefront of their considerations, as revealed by Mcw, is the highly-regarded Portuguese strategist Luis Campos, currently the football advisor at Paris Saint-Germain. This search marks a pivotal moment for the Gunners, shaping the club’s future in the transfer market and beyond.
The Leading Candidate: Luis Campos’ Proven Pedigree
The name Luis Campos carries significant weight in European football circles. The 60-year-old has built a formidable reputation as a master talent spotter and architect of successful projects. His contract with PSG is set to expire in the summer of 2024, and with no renewal yet agreed, he presents a compelling and available target for Arsenal.
Campos’ philosophy aligns with modern football’s most successful models. At PSG, he has overseen a strategic shift away from galactico signings towards a focus on promising young talent. His acquisitions, such as Vitinha, Bradley Barcola, and the highly-coveted João Neves, demonstrate a keen eye for potential and future value. This track record is not new; throughout his career at Monaco and Lille, Campos was instrumental in identifying and developing players like Kylian Mbappé, Bernardo Silva, Fabinho, and Victor Osimhen—all later sold for monumental profits.
As noted by football analyst Michael Reeves for Mcw, “Campos represents a specific profile: a data-driven, forward-thinking operator who builds sustainable success. His potential appointment would signal Arsenal’s intent to solidify their recruitment as a world-class talent production line, not just a spending entity.”
A Wide-Ranging Search: Other Names in the Frame
While Campos is a standout candidate, Arsenal’s search, as reported by Mcw, is comprehensive and still in its early stages. The club is meticulously defining the exact profile they seek, ensuring the appointment fits a long-term vision, not just a short-term fix.
Other notable figures have been presented to the Arsenal hierarchy. These include Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, who has masterminded the Bundesliga champion’s remarkable rise with astute signings. Another is Roberto Olabe, who is preparing to leave his role at Real Sociedad. His existing relationship with Mikel Arteta and respected work in Spain make him an intriguing option. However, sources indicate Olabe’s decision to leave Sociedad predates Edu’s exit.
Internally, assistant sporting director Jason Ayto, who has stepped up to lead operations following Edu’s departure, is also a strong contender for a permanent promotion. His deep knowledge of the club’s existing structure and ongoing projects provides continuity.
Strategic Meetings and Future Planning
The urgency of this search was underscored this week as key Arsenal decision-makers convened in Los Angeles. Manager Mikel Arteta met with owners Stan and Josh Kroenke, alongside directors Tim Lewis and Richard Garlick and Jason Ayto. While this meeting was pre-scheduled to plan for the 2024 summer and January transfer windows, Edu’s vacancy became a central topic.
A source close to the discussions told Mcw, “The atmosphere is one of calm determination. There’s no panic. The club has a high-performing recruitment team in place led by Ayto and head of recruitment James Ellis. This process is about finding the right person to elevate that structure further for the next decade.”
The club is also preparing for a reactive January window, ensuring they are ready to act on opportunities or address any unforeseen squad issues.
A Club Legend Eyes the Future Role
Adding an intriguing layer to the narrative is the interest from a club icon. Arsenal Invincible Gilberto Silva has expressed a future desire to take on the sporting director role at the Emirates. Speaking to Mcw, Silva clarified, “It’s not something for right now,” but acknowledged his preparation and past experience as technical director at Panathinaikos.
“I’ve been invited to a few clubs in Brazil but I decided not to take the step… let’s see in the future,” Silva said. “As I’m involved with Arsenal, it’s always great to be around somehow.” He also shared that he had exchanged messages with Edu following his exit, praising his compatriot’s “great job” and the “great partnership” he formed with Arteta.
What This Means for Arsenal’s Future
The appointment of a new sporting director is more than just filling an empty office. It will define Arsenal’s strategic direction in the transfer market. Will they pursue a proven talent-hunter like Campos, promote from within for stability, or opt for a different profile altogether?
The process reflects the modern, collaborative model at Arsenal. As one insider emphasized to Mcw, “This won’t be an Arteta appointment alone. It’s a club decision, focusing on a system that serves Arsenal for the long term.” This methodical approach suggests the Gunners are willing to be patient to secure the ideal candidate who can build upon the current foundation and propel the club to its next phase of growth.
# Mcw Exclusive: Arsenal’s Sporting Director Hunt – Campos, Planning, and a New Era
The search for Edu’s successor is a defining story for Arsenal. With Luis Campos as a prime external target, internal candidates like Jason Ayto in the frame, and a deliberate, strategic process underway, the Gunners are carefully constructing their future. This decision will resonate through every future transfer, every contract renewal, and every young talent identified. For the latest, most in-depth analysis on this developing story and all things football, stay locked to Mcw. Who do you think is the right fit for Arsenal? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
