Arsenal are refusing to comment on reports their head of recruitment Sven Mislintat is set to leave the club. The Gunners are looking to appoint a technical director, for which Mislintat was expected to be a contender. But it is likely the German, 46, will be overlooked for the role and that is among the factors which could result in his departure. A number of potential scenarios are being discussed and no timescale has been placed on the process. However, sources believe that Mislintat will be the latest high-profile departure in a period of major upheaval for the club.

He joined the Gunners from Borussia Dortmund in November 2017, forming a key part of the of-field restructure overseen by then chief executive Ivan Gazidis. Mislintat was followed into Emirates Stadium by former Barcelona executive Raul Sanllehi, who was named head of football relations.Mislintat was involved in all eight of the signings Arsenal have made since then, most notably the club-record acquisition of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for £56m in January 2018. He also played a key part in the appointment of Unai Emery as head coach to succeed manager Arsene Wenger last summer.

Sanllehi stepped up to become head of football and Vinai Venkatesham switched from chief commercial officer to managing director. With Sanllehi and Venkatesham now in joint leadership – and no change of position for Mislintat – some felt the German could be on his way out. It is thought Sanllehi has been seeking a candidate who is either well known by Emery or has a connection to Arsenal, with ex-Gunners midfielder Edu among those linked. Although there has not been a major breakdown in relations with Mislintat, Arsenal’s lack of money to spend in the January transfer window has also caused issues.