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      I’m former Real Madrid star who ended up working in a warehouse for £330 a month after bankruptcy and depression battle

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      FORMER Real Madrid star Predrag Spasic was once destined for glory.But he ended up working in a warehouse for just £330 a month after battling depression and going bankrupt.Former Real Madrid star Predrag Spasic went bankrupt and suffered from depressionCredit: GettyThe Serbian defender ended up working in a warehouse for £330 a monthCredit: GettySpasic, 59, hails from Serbia, formerly Yugoslavia, and was once tipped to be a world-class centre-back.The ace made his name in his homeland with Partizan Belgrade.And in 1990 Real Madrid came calling in an exciting move.But things did not work out for Spasic at the Bernabeu.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe only played 22 games during his single season at Real.And Spasic achieved infamy by scoring a decisive own-goal in their 2-1 Clasico defeat to fierce rivals Barcelona.It still haunts him to this day, with Spasic saying: “One bad game is to blame for everything. My life changed after meeting Barcelona at Camp Nou. “I didn’t want to score an own goal, I swear, and then it was terrible. I remember every moment. The ball hit me, entered the net, I wanted to die. Most read in Football“Camp Nou buried me as a player. I will never forget chanting in that stadium ‘Spasic, Spasic’. It’s just that it came from the Barcelona fans.”He then spent the next three seasons in Spain with Osasuna.Real Madrid fan BURNS Kylian Mbappe shirt and fumes ‘my hopes and support for him is over’Yet his time there finished with the club being relegated in 1994.Spasic ended up playing just 13 more times throughout his career with Atletico Marbella and Radnicki Beograd.He also won 31 international caps for Yugoslavia.Yet his career fizzled out in 1997 at the age of 32.And Spasic ended up going bankrupt after making some bad investments in a business project that collapsed due to the Yugoslav wars.It forced him to take up a job working in a warehouse which paid just £330 each month.I lived in silence, I locked myself awayPredrag SpasicHe said at the time: “I need financial help, I live one day at a time. I am in a difficult situation. You need to be strong to overcome everything.”Spasic soon spiralled into a deep depression.But he is now on the up after being aided by a group for veteran footballers, with Relevo claiming his former club Real also lent a helping hand.Spasic continued: “I fell into depression, some other bad things happened in my life, so I fought with myself for 10 years. “I managed to stabilise and recover from depression with the help of my family, my brother Bojan and the doctor who helped me a lot.”He added: “I’m very happy now. I’m proud. Maybe that was my mistake before. Everything that happened to me affected me a lot and I didn’t talk to anyone.“I lived in silence, I locked myself away. When I returned to my country I suffered from depression. READ MORE SUN STORIES“I had good friends who helped me through difficult times and thanks to psychologists I managed to get out of it. “It was everything: one thing, another, another… everything came together and in the end I exploded.” More

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      ‘Cold’ Jude Bellingham gestures at Getafe goalkeeper after taking Real Madrid penalty duties off Kylian Mbappe

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM ensured Real Madrid returned to winning ways by scoring from 12-yards against Getafe.But, it was his reaction after he calmly slotted the ball past David Soria that was the biggest talking point.Jude Bellingham scored for Real Madrid in the win over GetafeCredit: Reuters’Cold’ Bellingham sent the Getafe keeper the wrong way and then gestured at himCredit: GettyThe England midfielder, 21, gestured to the goalie by pointing at his eyes – indicating that he was watching him.Bellingham’s penalty was cooly dispatched with a hop, skip and a pause, before he rolled the ball into the net.The game was tied at 0-0 when Antonio Rudiger was fouled by Allan Nyom in the penalty box.Normally, it would be the responsibility of Kylian Mbappe to step up for a penalty.Read more football news However, following his miss against Liverpool in the 2-0 Champions League defeat penalty duties were passed on to Bellingham.Mbappe would find the net eight minutes later to secure his team’s win.Real Madrid ran out 2-0 winners in the La Liga clash to keep the pace with leaders Barcelona at the top.Fans online praised Bellingham, though, for his ‘cold’ finish and celebration.Most read in FootballOne fan wrote: “Jude Bellingham sits the GK down and tells him he was watching him. Ice-cold.”Moment Jude Bellingham gives Arsenal transfer hope after fan asks him to join GunnersAnother posted: “Jude Bellingham too cold with the pen.”While a third added: “Jude Bellingham is so cold man.”Bellingham was subbed off for Madrid at half time.Speaking after the match, manager Carlo Ancelotti said: “He had a neck problem. He couldn’t continue, but it’s not an injury.” More

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      Jorginho says Arsenal dressing room tease Gabriel over his ‘Batman’ celebration but love Brazilian’s goal record

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      NOT many central defenders in world football feel the need to have a trademark goal celebration.But then again, not many are as deadly with their head as Arsenal’s Gabriel.Gabriel showed off his trademark celebration at the London StadiumCredit: AlamyGabriel scored his fourth of the season in all competitions with another headerCredit: AFPThe Brazilian centre back’s 10th minute header to open the scoring against West Ham at the London Stadium was his third in the Premier League this season – and fourth in all competitions.That takes his headed tally to 12 in the league since arriving in England in September 2020 – just five away from Virgil van Dijk and Sami Hyppia in the Prem all-time headed goal chart.And while he is still 15 away from John Terry’s tally, only a fool would bet against Gabriel edging closer to – or even surpassing – that target this term, let alone by the time the 26-year-old calls it a day in North London.His latest offering – a flicked header from a Bukayo Saka corner in a 5-2 thrashing of a woeful Hammers outfit – was followed by an unusual celebration, interlinking his fingers over his eyes.read more arsenalIt was first on show this campaign in Tuesday night’s 5-1 Champions League victory away at Sporting Lisbon, with some suggesting it was done to mock Viktor Gyokeres’ similar goal-getting theatrics – the Swede’s fingers covering his mouth instead.But a repeat showing in East London perhaps quashes those theories.Gabriel’s version is said to be a nod to comic book legend Batman – backed up by Arsenal’s social media team posting a masked superhero emoji moments after the header.Expect to see that celebration a lot more over the coming weeks with Arsenal’s set-piece efficiency back on show having overcome a recent four-match winless Prem slump to reignite a title charge.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt is not stopping Gabriel’s teammates teasing, though. Jorginho admitted: “We make fun of [the celebration] and he has fun with it as well. It is great stuff what is happening.”After five different goal scorers in Lisbon, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal repeated that feat against West Ham with Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Saka also netting in the first half.Moment huge brawl breaks out in West Ham end with punches thrown and fan knocked to ground in London derby vs ArsenalAaron Wan Bissaka and Emerson scored to briefly make it 4-2 but the visitors’ comeback was short-lived.Yet the name up in lights is Gabriel’s – the last player to leave the pitch on Saturday night as he soaked up the admiration of the away end by orchestrating the chants.His goal came from a slightly altered NFL-style routine conjured up by set-piece coach Nicolas Jover with Gabriel given freedom to roam at the back post while the others act as blockers.How West Ham allowed Arsenal’s biggest threat a free header is anyone’s guess. It is not exactly a secret where the ball is going – the corner-takers even point to Gabriel before their delivery.Asked how you stop Gabriel, Jorginho laughed: “I’m not going to tell you! He’s really good and it requires a lot of work from the whole team. Everyone does their job and then he’s a real threat.“He’s been so helpful to us.”Arteta added: “The more [Gabriel scores] the more you believe it. You can tell straight away from the body language of the player, how they communicate, that something is coming up.“To have various ways of scoring goals makes the team more unpredictable, the opposition have to work on many more things. It’s a good thing for us.”There is some concern over Gabriel’s fitness ahead of Wednesday’s Prem clash with Manchester United at the Emirates after he was subbed at half-time as a precaution owing to an ongoing muscular problem picked up in Lisbon.But Arsenal are heading into the festive period looking back to their best, winning their last three in all competitions and scoring 13 in the process, including a 3-0 home victory over Nottingham Forest.Arteta’s men also have the advantage of not leaving London for any games until January 4.READ MORE SUN STORIESJorginho said: “We are in a good momentum now. We need to carry on and focus.“Having players back from injury, having the whole squad available, has made a huge difference. We fixed something that wasn’t working and now it is.” More

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      Mikel Arteta handed major injury boost by Arsenal star ahead of crucial Man Utd clash

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      GABRIEL hinted he WILL be fit to face Manchester United on Wednesday — despite an injury concern.The Arsenal defender was subbed at half-time during Saturday night’s 5-2 victory at West Ham.Mikel Arteta has had to deal with several injuries this seasonCredit: AlamyGabriel Magalhaes has hinted he will be fit to face Manchester UnitedCredit: AFPThat was due to a muscular injury picked up in Tuesday’s away win over Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.Gabriel played through the pain at London Stadium and even bagged Arsenal’s opener.But after being clattered by Lukasz Fabianski for the penalty call that led to the Gunners’ fifth goal, boss Mikel Arteta was taking no risks and hooked him at the break.The Brazilian posted on Instagram: “Three points and we continue fighting together! Thanks for your support Gunners. See you on Wednesday!”READ MORE ON ARSENALCentre-back Gabriel, 26, has started all Arsenal’s Prem games this term, scoring three goals, and they will hope he is ready to host United.Mikel Merino (knee) and Thomas Partey (muscular) are also racing to be fit.Arteta has had to deal with injuries to several defensive players this season, with Ben White confirmed to be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori have all missed multiple matches too.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal ratings vs West HamWEST HAM and Arsenal served up one of the finest London derbies in recent memory on Saturday night, with SEVEN goals in the first half alone.The Gunners sailed into a 4-0 lead in the opening 35 minutes before the Hammers reduced the deficit with two quickfire goals, including a sublime Emerson free-kick.Bukayo Saka’s penalty on the stroke of half-time made it 5-2, becoming only the fourth Premier League match in history to see seven goals before the break.A relatively lacklustre second half followed, with Mikel Arteta ringing the changes, particularly with Wednesday night’s showdown with Man Utd at the Emirates in the back of his mind.The result pulled the Gunners up to second in the Premier League table, six points behind Liverpool ahead of Sunday’s huge showdown between the leaders and a struggling Man City.Read how SunSport’s Charlie Pittock rated the Gunners stars.While left-back Kieran Tierney has been missing since the summer, though returned to training last week so could feature soon.Captain Martin Odegaard also missed 12 matches but Arsenal have returned to form since he returned with 14 goals in five games.Arsenal Player Ratings vs West Ham article More

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      Bukayo Saka appears to laugh ‘out loud’ at West Ham supporters as Arsenal fans say ‘love the new villain arc’

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      BUKAYO SAKA appeared to laugh at West Ham fans after netting in Arsenal’s 5-2 rout at the London Stadium.Mikel Arteta’s men made mincemeat of the Hammers on Saturday as they netted all five goals in the first half.Bukayo Saka appeared to laugh at West Ham fans during Arsenals’ 5-2 winThe ace scored a penalty and bagged two assists in the thrashingCredit: GettyArsenal scored four without reply before the hosts pulled two back.But Saka’s penalty, which came moments before the break, put West Ham’s comeback on ice.The spot-kick was a pivotal moment in the game, with Julen Lopetegui’s side turning up the heat after a quick-fire double from full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson Palmieri.Saka, who had already bagged two assists, was tasked with taking the penalty after captain Martin Odegaard slotted an earlier one away with style.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd despite the intense atmosphere, England’s star winger hit the target for his seventh goal of the season.Saka’s effort silenced those in the home crowd dreaming of a shock upset.Indeed, video footage captured from the stands appeared to show Saka laughing towards West Ham supporters as he celebrated his strike.The ace also put a finger up to his lips, indicating silence.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile his other hand mimicked a talking mouth.And Arsenal fans loved seeing a spicy side to Saka’s game.Arsenal Player Ratings vs West Ham articleOne said: “Love the new villain arc.”Another declared: “You can actually hear the laugh.”One noted: “He’s actually a villain now.”Another added: “My star boy has become ruthless and I love it.”Some supporters even claimed they could hear Saka laughing out loud in the video.One wrote: “You can acc hear the laugh wtf it was mad quiet in there”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother posted: “You can actually hear Saka’s laugh over the west ham fans. He silenced those lot”And a third typed: “the way you can hear saka’s laugh 😭”Arsenal ratings vs West HamWEST HAM and Arsenal served up one of the finest London derbies in recent memory on Saturday night, with SEVEN goals in the first half alone.The Gunners sailed into a 4-0 lead in the opening 35 minutes before the Hammers reduced the deficit with two quickfire goals, including a sublime Emerson free-kick.Bukayo Saka’s penalty on the stroke of half-time made it 5-2, becoming only the fourth Premier League match in history to see seven goals before the break.A relatively lacklustre second half followed, with Mikel Arteta ringing the changes, particularly with Wednesday night’s showdown with Man Utd at the Emirates in the back of his mind.The result pulled the Gunners up to second in the Premier League table, six points behind Liverpool ahead of Sunday’s huge showdown between the leaders and a struggling Man City.Read how SunSport’s Charlie Pittock rated the Gunners stars. More

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      How football’s new power couple Marcus Rashford and wag Grace Jackson could rake in millions as the next Posh and Becks

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      SHE was the Love Island bombshell sent into the TV villa to shake up old flame Joey Essex and tipped to rake in millions, just like Molly-Mae Hague.And now Grace Rosa Jackson is the new beauty on the arm of England ace Marcus Rashford, 27, who she has been dating for several months.TV star Grace Rosa Jackson is dating England ace Marcus RashfordCredit: RexManchester United star Marcus has been on a series of dates with GraceCredit: GettyAn insider told The Sun the pair are “smitten” after the footballer “whisked her off on numerous dates around Cheshire” and they are said to “get on really well and have lots in common”.Marcus appears to have found the perfect blend of brains and beauty in Grace, 26, who is a savvy businesswoman as well as a fashion model and social media influencer.And brand expert Carla Speight thinks football’s latest power couple is a true “meeting of the minds” who could even become the new Posh and Becks.“Grace has got the potential to be the next Victoria Beckham — she’s already aware of the industry and she will do Marcus a lot of good, too,” Carla says.READ MORE ON GRACE Marcus is 27 now, so if he’s smart he will be looking beyond his football career.Carla Speight, brand expert“He had a taste of how far he could go with his successful school meals campaign during the pandemic, so he knows he can use his profile as a force for good.“It will be interesting to see what power move they will make together.“Marcus is 27 now, so if he’s smart he will be looking beyond his football career. He’s signed up to Jay-Z’s management company, Roc Nation.“He could follow in the footsteps of David Beckham. Marcus has already done the sportswear stuff, but has been otherwise low-key, so it will be interesting to see where this Love Island ­influence takes him.”Most read in Football‘Born for Love Island’Mancunian Grace was predicted to become the first millionaire from this year’s Love Island series — with brands queuing up to sign her, including retail giant PrettyLittleThing.In fact, immediately after leaving the villa in August, Grace signed a lucrative six-figure contract with fashion firm EGO, which her rep claimed was “a huge moment” because “no other islander has done anything like this for a first deal”.Love Island fans spot ‘clue’ that Grace’s head has already been turned by Casa hunkMany compared her to Molly-Mae Hague, the now ex-girlfriend of boxer Tommy Fury, who went from serving customers in Boots and working as a part-time lifeguard to raking in more than £6million as a model and ­influencer, with 8.3million followers.A source at the time told The Sun: “Grace is on course to be a millionaire already and a lot of brands are calling her the next Molly-Mae.”Even before heading into the Love Island villa, Grace had a blossoming career, having modelled for Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty line and online store Fashion Nova — as well as working alongside Conor McGregor to promote his Irish stout. She was also reported to have been a co-owner of Social Clubhouse, a social media management firm that launched in 2021, and events company Vamos, although she is no longer listed on the books of either at Companies House.This September, she set up her own media business, Grace Rosa Ltd. Grace’s Instagram page, which boasts 593,000 ­followers, showcases the sexiest, skimpiest and most ­stylish outfits of 2024 — which she seems to have cleverly monetised.The snaps, which she savvily signposts for fans to “shop the look”, are from enviable locations around the world and have led online ­commentators to say she was “born for Love Island”.She entertains fans with posts from stunning beaches in Marbella and Miami, Ibiza yacht parties, chic ­Parisian bars, red carpet premieres in ­London and, occasionally, from her home town of Manchester.To sit in and be single — I can’t understand why I would do that at my peak and in my mid-20s.Grace Rosa JacksonWith such a hectic schedule, it’s no surprise the aspiring star ­previously struggled to find love, once complaining: “They can’t keep up with my lifestyle!“I like to go out and go abroad a lot . . . it’s the life that I want and it helps with business. “To sit in and be single — I can’t understand why I would do that at my peak and in my mid-20s.”Grace hooked up with telly lothario Joey Essex in the Love Island villaCredit: ITVA brand expert says ‘Grace has got the potential to be the next Victoria Beckham’Credit: instagram/gracexrosaMarcus was engaged to childhood sweetheart Lucia Loi, who he met aged 15, but they split in 2023Credit: GettyIt’s that reason, and the chance of life-changing career opportunities from exposure, that led Grace to appear on Love Island in June.At the time, she said: “This is something that would push me out of my comfort zone — I don’t really date a lot. I get myself in situationships with people I know that I shouldn’t give my time to.”And producers were thrilled by the prospect of her entering as a bomb-shell, too. An insider dubbed Grace “the perfect contestant” due to her stunning looks and one other big ­ratings-puller — she was the ex of The Only Way Is Essex star Joey Essex. He was Love Island’s surprise contestant and the only islander this year who was already famous.As soon as Grace entered the villa on Day 12, the reality show veteran’s head was turned, despite him having already coupled up with Liverpudlian make-up artist Samantha Kenny.On the show, Grace revealed they’d “had a thing” after meeting in Ibiza the previous summer. The pair had also been pictured at a Halloween party in matching themed outfits as Batman villains Harley Quinn and The Joker.But she revealed their “intense” romance ended on “frosty terms”, which left her “hurt and confused”.Despite downplaying the relationship, the pair were soon making up for lost time. They had a series of steamy snogs, in spite of Samantha, before Grace chose to whisk Joey away for a night of passion in the separate Hideaway private villa.Footage of the couple’s antics was said to be so X-rated that sex-scene-loving Love Island bosses were “spoilt for choice” and had to leave footage on the cutting room floor.An insider explained at the time: “Because they knew each other before, their entire relationship is on fast forward and it’s steamy stuff — Joey can’t keep his hands off her.”They coupled up shortly after, with Grace believing they could go the distance outside the villa due to her being willing to move to Essex — said to be a hurdle during their previous fling. But within days, their romance had crumbled after new blonde bombshell Jessy Potts won over the reality hunk.While it didn’t work out for Joey and Grace, who also briefly dated fellow contestant Reuben Collins, she insisted there was no animosity and “no awkwardness” after they went “back to real life”. She also had plenty of distractions to keep her mind off the Towie star thanks to the raft of new opportunities boosting her career, as she continues to benefit from the ­exposure of such a high-profile reality romance.And now Grace’s star could be on the rise again since being linked to Three Lions wonderboy Marcus.The footie ace was previously engaged to childhood sweetheart Lucia Loi, who he met aged 15, but they split in the summer of 2023.The striker is now Man United’s second highest-paid star on £325,000 a week — but he could earn considerably more if their romance lasts and they join forces for deals.I can see Grace reviving Wag culture, which died a death after Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy. Grace could bring the spotlight back on to the ladies.Carla Speight, brand expertBut unlike Wags without careers, who are forced to depend upon their sports star partners, Grace is a force to be reckoned with away from Marcus’s millions. With his football fandom and her fashion following, they could be a top-tier power couple to rival any of the Premier League couplings.“I’m sure every girl dreams of dating a footballer and Marcus is definitely an upgrade from Joey Essex,” says Carla. “I can see Grace reviving Wag culture, which died a death after Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy. Grace could bring the spotlight back on to the ladies.“With her skillset, she could be very useful to the Wags of these footballers. READ MORE SUN STORIES”She could guide Marcus as well with the brand deals and future opportunities, because she has done that for herself. With his profile and her business head, this is a real meeting of minds.“She has enough profile to ­survive without Marcus, but it will help her level up. It will be interesting to see where they go next.”Grace found fame on ITV dating show Love IslandCredit: instagram/gracexrosaThe beauty has a large social media followingCredit: ITVMancunian Grace was predicted to become the first millionaire of this year’s Love Island seriesCredit: instagram/gracexrosaStriker Marcus is currently United’s second highest-paid player on £325,000-a-weekCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd fans think Ruben Amorim threw shade at Ten Hag after answering question about Joshua Zirkzee

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans think Ruben Amorim threw shade at Erik ten Hag with his comments about Joshua Zirkzee.The striker showed why the Red Devils splashed £34million on him in the summer with two goals against Everton.Ruben Amorim revealed how to get the best out of Joshua ZirkzeeCredit: GettyThe striker returned to the scoresheet with a double against EvertonCredit: GettyThey were his first goals since the opening game of the season against Fulham, and after the game Amorim revealed the reason behind his return to form.Zirkzee operated as a false nine against the Toffees, a position his manager believes suits him best.Amorim said after the match: “He [Zirkzee] played in a position that suits him. He was like a false 9. That helps him.”We try to put the players in the position that allows them to shine.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited fans believe Amorim was hinting that his predecessor Ten Hag did not play Zirkzee in his best position, which is why he has struggled in recent weeks.One fan reacted saying: “Amorim literally throwing jabs at Ten hag. This is why Ruben Amorim is the chosen one to make Manchester United great again.”Another added: “Funny how playing players in their best positions works out well for everyone.”A third wrote: “This alone makes him miles better than Ten Hag. Still can’t believe the bald man played Mazraoui at 10 when we had Diallo.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd another commented: “Wow rocket science. Play the players in their best position to get the best out of the team. Ten Hag needs to learn from Amorim.”Zirkzee scored with two of his three touches in the penalty box while Marcus Rashford has also rediscovered his goalscoring form – his double against Everton takes him to three goals from three games under Amorim.Ruben Amorim touched by Old Trafford welcome in win over Bodo/Glimt More

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      Arsenal ‘in advanced talks with Champions League sporting director as Gunners close in on Edu replacement’

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      ARSENAL’s hunt for a new sporting director may be resolved soon, according to reports.Last month, Edu resigned from his position with the Gunners to take up a new role at Nottingham Forest.Real Sociedad director of football Roberto Olabe is in ‘advanced talks’ with ArsenalCredit: Ander GilleneaArsenal have been looking for a new sporting director after Edu left the clubCredit: GettyThe Brazilian was offered a bumper pay rise at the Emirates, but wanted a new challenge under Evangelos Marinakis in a multi-club role.Since then, the Gunners have turned their attention to find his replacement.And according to reports, it appears they have found their man.Foot Mercato claims that Mikel Arteta’s side are in ‘advanced negotiations’ with Real Sociedad’s director of football, Roberto Olabe.Read more Arsenal newsThe 57-year-old has been considered the architect of the La Liga team’s success in recent years.Olabe announced he would be leaving Real Sociedad at the end of the current campaign.During his tenure with the Spanish side, Real Sociedad won their first major trophy in three decades when they lifted the Copa del Rey in 2021.While their league form dramatically improved as they became regulars in the top six.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn 2023-2024, they returned to the Champions League following a 10-year absence.For the past five seasons, they have qualified for European competition.Bukayo Saka appears to laugh in West Ham supporters’ faces as Arsenal fans say ‘love the new villain arc’Real Sociedad have been lauded for their conveyor belt of talent.Their success stories include Alexander Isak, Martin Odegaard, David Silva, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino.Arsenal already have ties with Real Sociedad.Captain Odegaard and Merino now star for the Premier League side’s first team.And Nacho Monreal and Kieran Tierney swapped North London for San Sebastian in recent times.Further still, like Olabe, manager Mikel Arteta is from the Basque Country and starred for the club during his playing days. More