Arteta's latest masterstroke: A key tactical mind joins the Gunners' ranks

Arsenal have confirmed the appointment of Gabriel Heinze to Mikel Arteta’s coaching staff, with the former Argentina international taking up the role of first-team coach ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.

Heinze replaces Carlos Cuesta, who departed last month to become head coach of Serie A side Parma.

The 47-year-old links up with Arteta once again, having previously shared a dressing room with the Spaniard during their time at Paris Saint-Germain in the early 2000s.

Heinze brings with him significant coaching experience, having managed in Argentina’s top flight with Godoy Cruz, Argentinos Juniors, and Velez Sarsfield.

He also had a brief spell in Major League Soccer with Atlanta United in 2021 and most recently spent a year in charge of Newell’s Old Boys.

As a player, Heinze enjoyed a decorated career, winning league titles with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Marseille.

He earned 72 caps for Argentina, played in two World Cups, and won Olympic gold at the Athens Games in 2004.

His arrival adds another layer of experience to Arsenal’s bench, where he will work alongside established figures such as Albert Stuivenberg, Nico Jover, and Inaki Cana.

Heinze is expected to take a hands-on approach with the defensive unit, potentially working closely with players such as Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba.

This appointment is part of a broader reshuffle behind the scenes at Arsenal, which also saw Under-21 coach Mehmet Ali leave to join Brentford.

Sporting director Andrea Berta, who joined from Atletico Madrid in March, is now overseeing the club’s structural evolution as they aim to take the final step in their pursuit of silverware.

Arteta has previously cited Heinze as one of his biggest influences, praising his leadership and guidance during their playing days.

Heinze’s intense and demanding coaching style is expected to complement Arteta’s methods, as Arsenal seek to build on another promising campaign.

The Gunners finished second in the Premier League for the third year running and reached the Champions League semi-finals last term.

Heinze is set to make his Premier League dugout debut with Arsenal at Old Trafford on August 17, fittingly against former club Manchester United.

His return to English football, now in a coaching capacity, marks a new chapter in a career that has spanned continents and earned admiration at every stop.

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