Arsenal have been handed a boost in their search for Edu’s successor as sporting director with the news of potential target Roberto Olabe’s departure from Spanish side Real Sociedad.

Edu’s exit from his role at the Emirates Stadium was confirmed earlier this month and the north London giants are putting together plans on how to move forward without the former midfielder.

One touted replacement is Olabe, who has played a major role in Real Sociedad qualifying for European football in every full season under manager Imanol Alguacil so far with his expert squad building.

A statement from La Real reads: “Oberto Olabe, Director of Football at Real Sociedad, has announced his decision not to continue with our club once the current season ends. Until that time he will continue to perform his duties.

“Erik Bretos, currently responsible for Professional Football and the Club’s Scouting Unit, will be the new Football Director of Real Sociedad starting next season.”

The Athletic claim Olabe communicated his resignation to Sociedad early – his contract wasn’t due to expire until 2026 – as he wanted to give the La Liga outfit plenty of time to identify a candidate to replace him.

Olabe developed a great eye for talent as sporting director, securing deals for the likes of Alexander Isak, Martin Odegaard on loan and the ageing David Silva. Real Sociedad made profit on Isak when he left for Newcastle United, while Mikel Merino joined Arsenal in the summer for €40m (£33.25m), representing a large increase on the sum they handed to the Magpies back in 2018.

Arsenal and Sociedad have developed a relationship in the transfer market in recent years thanks to deals involving the likes of Nacho Monreal and Kieran Tierney. Manager Mikel Arteta also came through the youth team of his boyhood club in San Sebastian as a player before moving to England.

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