Arsenal Name Ivan Gazidis’ Replacements As He Departs For AC Milan

Arsenal go for internal replacements for Ivan Gazidis…

Arsenal have announced that Raul Sanllehi and Vinai Venkatesham will form a duo to replace Ivan Gazidis after the chief executive took up a position at AC Milan.

Reports have been rife since the summer that Gazidis would join the Italian giants, which baffled many given his work over the past six months to lead a huge revolution.

There has been a huge turnover in staff and none more important than Unai Emery replacing Arsene Wenger, something Gazidis was vocalised his influence in.

It led fans to believe the former maligned executive would enjoy his new-found power, but Gazidis has decided to jump ship months after Wenger’s exit.

Given his involvement in our commercial activity and our footballing ambitions, Gazidis may have left a large hole in the make-up of the club.

However, the club has decided to promote from within and with Sanllehi and Venkatesham, the duo will handle the football and commercial commitments between them.

“Although I joined Arsenal just months ago, I’ve felt embraced by this great club and part of its family from the first day. I will do everything possible to maintain our strong values which will be as fundamental to our future as they have been in our past,” Sanllehi, the former Barcelona director of football said.

Vinai, who’s been at the club since 2010, added: “From the day I joined Arsenal I have always considered it a privilege to serve this great football club, so it’s an honour to take up the position of managing director and lead the club alongside Raul.”