Vinai Venkatesham is to takeover as head of football at Arsenal, after it was confirmed that Raul Sanllehi is to leave the club.
Sanllehi has spent the last three years as head of football at The Emirates, while Venkatehsam previously held the role of managing director.
Arsenal Appoint Vinai Venkateshsham as Head of Football Following Raul Sanllehi Departure
Arsenal Employee Since 2010
Venkatesham has been an Arsenal employee since 2010, and has held several roles during his time with the Gunners.
Most recently, he was managing director, following the departure of Ivan Gazidis, who joined Serie A club AC Milan.
Having held other roles in north London, including chief commercial officer and head of global partnerships.
As a result of the departure of Sanllehi, he will now continue in a new role with Arsenal. Speaking to the official Arsenal website, Venkatesham said: “I am thankful to Stan, Josh and the rest of the Arsenal Board for their trust in me. I will miss working closely with my colleague and friend Raul, but I am looking forward to this new challenge.
“There is much work to do to return Arsenal to the top of the game where we belong, which is what our fans rightly demand. While this will not happen overnight, I believe we have many of the critical ingredients to do so. There are many positives to build on across the club.
“While football faces uncertainties ahead as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, I am confident Arsenal will emerge strongly and look forward with confidence.”
Departing Statement
After the confirmation of his departure, Sanllehi said: “I’m proud and pleased with the contribution I’ve made at Arsenal over the past three years, and look forward to enjoying the club’s future success. Arsenal is a true footballing institution.
“I am proud to have been part of its history and I thank Stan and Josh Kroenke for this opportunity. Working with Vinai, we have built a top team for the future. Mikel has made an extremely positive impact since his arrival and has formed a strong team with our technical director, Edu.
“The academy is in very safe hands with Per, and Huss Fahmy is a talented and highly-capable leader of our football operations. Personally, I now look forward to taking some time off and spending time with family and friends before setting to work on a new challenge and cheering Arsenal on to great things.”
Main Photo
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