Arsenal eyeing new strategic post for trusted voice in transfer operations

Arsenal are set to promote James Ellis to the role of technical director as part of the club’s evolving sporting structure.

Ellis, who has served as the club’s head of recruitment since joining from Fulham in 2021, is being elevated to a more senior role as newly-appointed sporting director Andrea Berta shapes the team around him.

According to The Athletic, the club had considered other candidates, including Matteo Tognozzi, formerly of Juventus and Granada, but those talks have now ended with no appointment expected.

Ellis originally joined as a first-team scout but quickly rose through the ranks, impressing with his work under former sporting director Edu. His expanded remit in recent years helped solidify his position as a trusted voice in the club’s recruitment processes.

The north London side are understood to be pleased with Ellis’ development, particularly as his growing reputation had sparked interest from other clubs across Europe. Securing his continued presence is seen as a win internally.

His promotion comes at a time of significant transition at Arsenal, with Jason Ayto previously holding the sporting director role on an interim basis following Edu’s departure last November.

The Gunners then turned to Berta, who spent over a decade at Atletico Madrid, to take permanent control of the club’s football operations.

Berta has already made his mark, leading the deal to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea earlier this summer.

He has also been working on other high-profile moves, including Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, whose switch to the Emirates Stadium is expected to be confirmed shortly.

Arsenal have also agreed a deal with Brentford to bring in club captain Christian Nørgaard, further underlining their summer ambition.

Ellis will now work closely with Berta as Arsenal continue to modernise their recruitment and sporting infrastructure.

The club view the pairing of Berta’s experience and Ellis’ deep knowledge of the Premier League market as a strong foundation for future success.

Ellis’ promotion represents a significant step forward for a figure who has quietly become one of the key architects behind Arsenal’s squad development in recent seasons.

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