Arsenal have reportedly warded off interest from German giants Bayern Munich to pursue Borussia Dortmund’s chief scout Sven Mislintat as their new head of recruitment.
The talent-spotter is credited with signing the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Shinji Kagawa, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Raphael Guerreiro and Ousmane Dembele during his time at BvB, and he will start his work at Arsenal next month.
“We are delighted that Sven is joining us,” Wenger told the club’s official website. “Identifying and developing talent is a core part of our philosophy and Sven has an outstanding track record over many years. We look forward to him taking our existing recruitment approach forwards.
The hiring of Mislintat has had a direct influence on Gunners’ chief scout Steve Rowley, who has stepped down from his position and will continue his association with the club on a consultancy basis.
Gunners chief Ivan Gazidis had set his sights on making significant changes behind the scenes after Wenger’s contract extension earlier in the summer, and Mislintat’s experience could come in handy to bring in young recruits with pedigree to the Emirates.
Meanwhile, the club are yet to find a replacement for former chief negotiator Dick Law, and Mislintat is likely to take some of the duties which both Rowley and Law have left behind during the first half of the season.
Arsenal are also reported to have eyed Michael Zorc to become the club’s very first sporting director, although Dortmund are likely to block any approach after seeing Mislintat end his nine-year association at the Westfalenstadion.
