Arsenal make smart new transfer recruitment appointment

Yet again supporters are reminded of just how extensive the changes taking place at Arsenal this summer are, even if the club have on;y officially confirmed one new signing.

Internally there have been a growing number of new commitments, however. Almost feeling like new players due to their lack of involvement with the first team to date, the likes of Arthur Okonkwo penning a new long-term deal and moving up into the senior set up as well as Kido Taylor-Hart closing in on fresh terms makes for exciting viewing.

Albert Sambi Lokonga is set to be announced from Anderlecht before the start of next week and Nuno Tavares has been wrapped as the Gunners’ first signing of the summer to be able to travel with the squad to Scotland for the start of their pre-season tours.

But it’s not just out in the open where work is being done.

Arsenal make smart new transfer recruitment appointment with addition of James Ellis as a scout to discover UK-based talent alongside Edu

Already there has been an alterations to Mikel Arteta’s backroom staff with Andreas Georgson joining Malmo FF and his replacement being Manchester City’s Nicolas Jover. That change is an important one with Arsenal struggling hugely on attacking set plays and scoring the 18th fewest goals from set pieces in the Premier League last term.

For all that is holy let us hope that are no more crowd the keeper routines on outswinging corners. Excruciating viewing all season. Corners became a chance to stick the kettle on.

While not quite Arteta’s technical staff, there has been another behind-the-scenes appointment. James Ellis arrives from Fulham to join the recruitment team, as per Football Insider. Not usually a reliable source, Ellis has also changed his LinkedIn profile, so that helps confirm it.

Ellis had been working as a senior scout at Craven Cottage since 2015 but has accepted an offer to link up with the Gunners as part of a new-look scouting network.

"As written on his LinkedIn profile, his role is noted as: “Reporting into the Technical Director, responsible for reviewing the UK market for the Football Club at 1st Team level. To work in a new team to support reviewing players domestically, assessing suitability within the club framework for the squad jigsaw.”"

While not officially confirmed – it likely won’t be – this is a smart move from the club.

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