Arsenal

Arsene Wenger: 'Ivan Gazidis not involved in Arsenal signings'

By Jonny Whitfield, Reporter | 29 November 2017

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists that Gunners chief executive Ivan Gazidis is not involved in the transfers of players to the Emirates.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted that Gunners chief executive Ivan Gazidis is not involved in the transfers of players to the Emirates.

The comments come as Arsenal have added to their backroom staff in the last month, with former Borussia Dortmund scout Sven Mislintat taking up a role as head of recruitment, while Raul Sanllehi, formerly of Barcelona, will become the club's head of football relations in February.

Wenger has said that he will work closely with his new recruits, but also highlighted the role of the club's chief executive in the Gunners' transfer dealings.

"Ivan has nothing to do with buying players," Wenger told reporters. "Today we have a structure in England, we know everybody. We have taken somebody who has international experience and that is why we made that decision.

"We have Huss [Fahmy], who is top drawer, but has just joined us one year ago, but is doing an excellent job. I rate him highly. There is still a need.

"I know [the other backroom staff in Europe]. I know them all because I've been in the game before them. So of course I know everybody in every club in Europe, basically I know them all."

The incoming Mislintat is well-known for scouting Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Shinji Kagawa while in Germany.