Arsenal news: Ivan Gazidis departs for AC Milan as former Barcelona chief Raul Sanllehi becomes head of football

The club confirmed in a statement published on Tuesday morning that Gazidis was departing the club to begin his new role in Milan on 1 December

Arsenal have announced that Raul Sanllehi and Vinai Venkatesham will take up new management positions with the club following the decision of chief executive Ivan Gazidis to leave for AC Milan.

The club confirmed in a statement published on Tuesday morning that Gazidis was departing to begin his new role in Milan on 1 December.

In the wake of his departure Sanllehi has been promoted from head of football relations to head of football, while Venkatesham is set to take over the role of managing director.

Josh Kroenke, deputy chairman of Arsenal’s majority owner Kroenke Sports and Entertainment UK, said: “It has been a pleasure working with Ivan. We will miss the wisdom, insight, and energy he brought to our club on a daily basis over the past decade.

Ivan Gazidis with his successors, Raul Sanllehi (R) and Vinai Venkatesham (Arsenal FC via Getty)

“We are confident we have outstanding people in Raul and Vinai, and we look forward to working with them and coach Unai Emery to continue to move the club forward on and off the pitch.”

Gazidis joined Arsenal in 2009 and personally oversaw the appointment of Unai Emery in the summer. He also played a significant role in introducing positions such as Sanllehi’s, as well as that of head of recruitment, held by Sven Mislintat.

“For the last 10 years I have been privileged to dedicate myself to this great club,” Gazidis said.

“Arsenal is entering a new chapter and I have done everything I can to ensure that it is strongly placed to take on that challenge. This includes world-class facilities and outstanding leaders in every sector who carry the values of the club, including, of course, Unai Emery, Raul Sanllehi and Vinai Venkatesham in whom I have enormous faith.

“We have been building on the club’s progressive social values, leading the way on the women’s game, diversity and inclusion, and establishing the Arsenal Foundation. This will remain central to the club’s philosophy.

“Although it is very hard to do – the hardest decision of my life – I believe that, after 10 years, it is the right time for me to step aside to allow new leadership, energy and ideas to take the club forward into this exciting new era. I believe in the positive force of change, both for me and for the club. I am excited to see what the future holds for this great club and I am energised by a new personal challenge with AC Milan.”

Gazidis oversaw the appointment of Unai Emery (Arsenal FC via Getty)

Meanwhile Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswick believes Gazidis departs having helped develop a strong structure off the pitch.

“Ivan has led Arsenal with skill and dedication and leaves us in a strong position,” he said.

“The club has been transformed and he has recruited talented people, such as Raul, Vinai and of course Unai Emery, who will take us to future success.”