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Arsenal make huge transfer appointment as Emirates return confirmed

Arsenal's Emirates Stadium
-Credit: (Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)


Arsenal are set to welcome back former executive James King to the Emirates Stadium two years after he departed the club.

King will be rejoining Arsenal as the director of football operations and replaces the outgoing Richard Garlick. King could be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the club's business from overseeing transfer budgets to liaising with the recruitment department on scouting objectives.

The Athletic reports that the previous hire in this position, Garlick, was responsible for assisting on legal and contractual issues. However, he was promoted to managing director at the end of last season when long-time CEO Vinai Venkatesham stepped down.

King's return has been in the works since then after being employed by the PFA as general counsel. Before leaving the North London club in 2022, the incoming director of football operations had joined the club in 2016, initially working in the commercial department.

After two years, he was moved to the football side of the club, last holding the role of senior legal counsel for football operations. King should be in position ahead of what could be an interesting January transfer window for the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta's side will always have one eye on the market to see where they can improve. Arsenal were unable to add a centre-forward to their squad in the summer and this could be a target moving into the New Year.

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However, due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions, the January window has become a lot quieter in recent seasons and thus the emphasis will likely fall on ensuring value for money if any deals are viable at all.