Arsenal are set to stave off interest in Francis Cagigao, the club’s head of international recruitment, by considering him for a new role as sporting director.
The Spaniard is credited with recommending the signings of Alexis Sanchez, Hector Bellerin and Santi Cazorla and has become a close ally of manager Arsene Wenger’s since helping bring Cesc Fabregas to the club in 2003.
The Gunners are planning to undergo a restructuring programme this summer, with leading transfer negotiator Dick Law expected to step down as the club look for a senior figure to work alongside a manager and take responsibility for their recruitment strategy.
The move is expected to take place regardless of whether Wenger is in charge beyond the end of the season or not.
Wenger’s current deal expires in two months but no decision has yet been taken over his future. There is growing fan unrest at the board’s offer of a two-year extension, despite Arsenal languishing seven points outside the top four with eight games remaining.
Relations between the 67-year-old Frenchman and chief executive Ivan Gazidis are thought to have become strained as the decision over his future drags on and several clubs are seeking to take advantage of the situation by attempting to lure Cagigao away from Emirates Stadium.
Leading clubs in England, Germany, Spain and South America have expressed an interest in offering Cagigao, who is contracted to Arsenal until 2020, a senior position and it is understood the Gunners view him as a possible candidate if they choose to make an internal promotion in appointing a sporting director.
The process is at a very formative stage and no shortlist has yet been drawn up, although former Arsenal winger and now Ajax technical director Marc Overmars is on their radar.
Arsenal continue to insist any decision over Wenger’s future will be made at the end of the season but they may be forced into an announcement before then if the club’s situation deteriorates further.
