Arsenal appoint Sven Mislintat as head of recruitment

Arsenal have appointed Sven Mislintat as the club’s new head of recruitment.

The German has been key to Dortmund’s success over the last 10 years, helping bring through a host of key players.

He was promoted to chief scout in 2009 and has recently been linked with Arsenal, as has Dortmund colleague Michael Zorc.

Bild reported the Gunners had agreed a £1.75million to bring in Mislintat, who will start work next month.

“We are delighted that Sven is joining us. Identifying and developing talent is a core part of our philosophy and Sven has an outstanding track record over many years,” Arsene Wenger said.

“We look forward to him taking our existing recruitment approach forwards.”

Mislintat, who joined Dortmund, was contracted until 2021 with the Bundesliga side but will receive a significant pay rise at the Emirates.

He is credited with developing Robert Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembele, as well as current hitman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Head scout Steve Rowley is to move aside – although he will be retained for specific projects.

“We would like to thank Steve Rowley for all his hard work over many years for the club,” Wenger added.

“He has been a key figure in our recruitment of so many top players and has travelled thousands and thousands of miles, watching hundreds of games for us during his time at the club. We wish him well for the future.”