Arsenal are expected to make a new appointment to their backroom staff this summer but at a lower level than the director of football role originally planned.
Chief executive Ivan Gazidis had sounded out several candidates during the second half of the season but Arsene Wenger proved resistant to relinquishing control of the club’s transfer strategy.
Following talks at boardroom level, it is understood a role will be created among Wenger’s staff although it is as yet unclear exactly what responsibilities it will entail.
Although contract extensions have not been formally signed, it is expected that Wenger will retain his entire backroom team including fitness coach Tony Colbert and goalkeeping coach Gerry Payton, the two members initially thought to be under threat.
During the most turbulent part of Arsenal’s season - when they lost seven out of 12 games in all competitions between January 31 and April 10 – Gazidis claimed there was a “catalyst for change” this summer and fans will expect a degree of modification in part to justify the decision to award Wenger a new two-year contract despite finishing fifth in the Premier League.
