Arsenal head of football Raul Sanllehi has left the club and has been replaced by Vinai Venkatesham – with technical director Edu and boss Mikel Arteta now heading up their footballing and recruitment direction by Enoch Mukoma

Venkatesham moves from his previous role as managing director to become head of football, with owners Stan and Josh Kroenke backing him to steer the club into a new era alongside Arteta, who is tasked with reshaping the Emirates Stadium squad.

Raul has made a big contribution during his time with us and will always be part of the Arsenal family,” read a statement from Stan and Josh Kroenke on the club’s website.

“We thank him for all his hard work and expertise and wish him every future success. We have no doubt that Vinai is the right person to take the club forward.”

Venkatesham thanked the Kroenke brothers and Arsenal’s board, on taking a more central role at the club.

“I am thankful to Stan, Josh and the rest of the Arsenal Board for their trust in me,” Venkatesham said. “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.”

Sanllehi hailed manager Arteta’s new direction, tipping the Gunners for a fruitful phase ahead.

“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,” Sanllehi said.