A number of Arsenal’s backroom staff have followed Arsene Wenger out of the door as the club prepare for life beyond the Frenchman.
Wenger took charge of his last game at Huddersfield on Sunday as the curtain came down on a 22-year spell at the helm.
The Press Association reports that the Gunners hierarchy have also acted to move on some of the coaching staff that worked alongside the 68-year-old.
While the managerial vacancy remains – with two former club captains in Mikel Arteta and Patrick Vieira still among the favourites for the role – the club has wasted no time in clearing the decks for the new regime.
Boro Primorac, a long-term coach and friend of Wenger, was always likely to leave and, as the outgoing manager prepares to clear his office later this week, a number of other backroom staff have also been relieved of their duties.
Colin Lewin, head of the club’s medical department, has been at the club a year longer than Wenger but will also be departing – as well as coaches Neil Banfield, Gerry Peyton and Tony Colbert, with Paul Johnson leaving his post as equipment manager.
As things stand it appears Wenger’s assistant Steve Bould and Jens Lehmann, recruited to the coaching staff just last summer, will remain under the new manager.
The hunt for Wenger’s successor continues, with Arteta now the bookmakers’ favourite to return to the club he served as a player between 2011 and 2016.
He retired two years ago to join Pep Guardiola’s coaching team at Manchester City and helped deliver the Premier League title to the Etihad Stadium this season.
While the 36-year-old has no managerial experience, Guardiola, speaking after his side reached the 100-point mark with a final-day victory at Southampton on Sunday, praised Arteta’s role in the success and said he would not stand in his way if Arsenal came calling.
“What we have done this season, Mikel his contribution was outstanding, amazing, we work together so good,” he said.
“If he stays I will be the happiest guy in the world and if he decides to move because he has this offer, this option, I will not say you do not have to go. I want the best for my friends and he is a friend of mine.”