Arsenal is reportedly close to signing Javier Alonso, Granada's sporting director, to bolster their recruitment team. Alonso, 37, resigned from his position earlier this week and is expected to join the Premier League title winners as early as next week.
Alonso previously worked with Arsenal's sporting director, Andrea Berta, at Atletico Madrid from 2016 to 2024, a period that saw the club win one LaLiga title. Granada, who finished 14th in the Spanish second division last season, had sought to retain Alonso's services.
Arsenal's pursuit of Alonso is part of a broader strategic overhaul as the club aims to build on their recent Premier League success. The team has already added Maurizio Michele, formerly Napoli's head of scouting, to a leading recruitment role.
Further changes are anticipated, with Arsenal also seeking a new academy director to replace Per Mertesacker. The club has reportedly held discussions with Pascal De Maesschalck, technical director at Chelsea's sister club Strasbourg. Additionally, former Olympic sprinter Arnaldo Abrantes is slated to be hired as the new head doctor.
Mikel Arteta is expected to focus on reinforcing the playing squad this summer. An Arsenal delegation was observed watching Paris Saint-Germain player Bradley Barcola during France's match against Sweden on Tuesday night.