Arsenal could welcome former star back to the Emirates in a brand new role - but he has to see off serious competition first.

The former midfielder left North London in 2016 following a hugely successful 10-year spell with the Gunners. But it appears he could be in line for an emotional return to the club.

have been on the hunt for a new sporting director since . It has been touted that the Brazilian is in line to link up with Evangelos Marinakis’ portfolio of clubs but a deal is yet to be announced.

In the meantime, Arsenal have drawn up a shortlist of potential names to replace him. As per , Rosicky is among those being considered due to his association with the club. Mirror Football understands that there is no leading candidate for the role quite yet.

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Despite that, ot is suggested that he remains close with former teammates and the Gunners’ current academy manager . Rosicky, now 44, retired from football in 2017 and was then appointed as Sparta Prague’s sporting director the following year.

But he is not the only candidate. ’s Luis Campos is an option as his contract with the French giants ticks down, while ’s current director of football Phil Giles has also been linked with the vacancy.

Rosicky previously hailed Arteta and Arsenal, claiming both were ready to win the . Speaking earlier this season, he said: “Yeah he had it in him, you could see that for a very long time.

“Even when he was, when we played together, already preparing for his next step when he will retire, he was doing his badges already as a player, stuff like that. So you could see the leadership qualities what he had before. And you can see now on the bench and of course I wish him well and I hope they will, they can make it.

Who should Arsenal sign this January?

“I think the last season, they showed. I think Mikel himself and the whole club has what it takes to win it. Of course they have to show it, they have to prove it and I believe they will put up another good challenge and fingers crossed.”

Elsewhere, owner Marinakis has . Speaking earlier this season, he said: "Edu was a very good player and also a very good sporting and technical director.

“I have a lot of respect for him. The results we saw over the years at Arsenal were very good and he has done an excellent job at Arsenal.

"What I can say is that I would like to cooperate with him on a much bigger project, a global project. I'm optimistic that in case all this goes ahead, it will be another successful venture for both of us. I'm very optimistic about it, but we need to see how this will be developed and will be finalised, if and when time allows."

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