Arsenal are reportedly targeting Luis Campos, the talent scout who unearthed Kylian Mbappé, as their new sporting director.
This development follows the surprising exit of Edu Gaspar, a former player and pivotal figure in Arsenal’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta.
Edu recently left the Emirates to take on a role within Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ footballing empire, leaving a vacancy at the heart of Arsenal’s transfer strategy.
With the January transfer window looming and Arsenal trailing Premier League leaders Liverpool by nine points, the hunt for a replacement is intensifying.
🚨 Arsenal are very interested in Luis Campos! 🇵🇹
The club are looking for a new sporting director and the Portuguese is high on the list of targets.
(Source: @SkySport) pic.twitter.com/iWLXUYOXex
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) November 18, 2024
Luis Campos: A Proven Transfer Market Mastermind
Campos, currently serving as “Football Advisor” at PSG, has built a reputation as one of football’s most astute talent spotters and sporting directors.
His track record includes discovering and developing some of the game’s biggest stars, including Kylian Mbappé, during his time at AS Monaco.
At Monaco (2013–2016), Campos masterminded the acquisitions of Bernardo Silva, Fabinho, Radamel Falcao, and Thomas Lemar.
His work laid the foundation for Monaco’s stunning 2017 Ligue 1 title win, a triumph achieved with a squad brimming with his signings.
Campos’ success extended to Lille, where he brought in players like Victor Osimhen before moving to PSG in 2022.
In Paris, he has overseen over £640 million in spending, securing high-profile names like Vitinha, Ousmane Dembélé, and Randal Kolo Muani.
PSG sporting director Luis Campos is under consideration to replace Edu at Arsenal 🔴
A look at some of his most notable signings 👇 pic.twitter.com/jRcqQsB9ld
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 18, 2024
Arsenal’s Interest in Luis Campos
According to Sky Sports, Arsenal view Campos as the ideal candidate to build upon Edu’s foundation.
The Gunners are also considering former Real Sociedad sporting director Roberto Olabe as well as current Academy Manager Per Mertesacker, but Campos is believed to be their top target.
Campos’ contract with PSG runs until 2025, and no extension talks have been reported, potentially paving the way for a move to North London.
Arsenal must now decide whether to pursue Campos immediately or wait until the summer. For now, Edu’s former deputy Jason Ayto and head of recruitment James Ellis are managing operations.
While the club has no immediate plans to rush an appointment, the need for a long-term solution is clear, especially with January reinforcements potentially on the agenda.
