Arsenal’s behind‑the‑scenes overhaul: third senior staff exits

Arsenal head of sports science and performance Tom Allen will depart the club this summer, becoming the third senior member of the back‑room staff to exit, joining medical head Zafar Iqbal and lead performance coach Sam Wilson, the BBC reports.

The departures coincide with an internal Arsenal review of the medical department led by Joaquin Acedo. The BBC notes Acedo’s influence on the summer changes has been significant.

Reports suggest not all exits were forced. Earlier coverage indicated Wilson had the option to remain but chose to leave for a more senior role.

Media outlets have reported that Real Betis’ Eneko Angulo could be set to join Aston Villa’s Arnaldo Abrantes in filling the unexpected gap behind the scenes in Arsenal’s medical team. Those appointments have not yet been confirmed.

Arsenal are in talks to appoint Pascal De Maesschalck as their new academy manager following Per Mertesacker’s exit. The U21 head coach position is also vacant after Max Porter’s move to Stoke City.

The club is reportedly bringing in Javier Alonso from Spanish Segunda Division club Granada CF to work alongside Andrea Berta. Maurizio Micheli already joined from Napoli earlier this year.

These staffing changes mark a summer of overhaul behind the scenes, even as the playing squad remains largely unchanged. The new appointments could reshape Arsenal’s medical and performance structures for the upcoming season.