JUST IN: Arsenal confirm departure of key backroom figure

Arsenal have confirmed head of recruitment Sven Mislintat will leave next month.

Mislintat moved to Arsenal in December 2017 but his position has been in doubt in recent weeks amid reports of a breakdown in relationship with boss Unai Emery.

Arsenal had also been looking to bring in a new sporting director which angered Mislintat.

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

The German, who is set to join Bayern Munich, said: "It's been an amazing experience to work at a great club like Arsenal in what has been a big time of change.

"I am excited about what the future holds for the club and am looking forward to new challenges for myself."

Mislintat played a key role in bringing in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan a year ago but was dismayed that there was no budget for January reinforcements this time around.

He had initially been brought in to work alongside Arsene Wenger but has reportedly struggled to adapt to life under Unai Emery.

The pair have had different transfer targets with Mislintat feeling his toes were being trodden on.

Arsenal's statement read: "Sven has been with us since December 1, 2017 and has done a truly outstanding job in helping us recruit players who are making a big impact now and will do so even more in the future.

"We wish him every success for the future and thank him for his extremely hard work on behalf of Arsenal.

Former Arsenal midfielder Edu had been lined up for the technical director post but another ex-Gunner Marc Overmars is now in contention.

Arsenal have turned to the Dutchman to come in although Overmars, 45, may take some persuading to leave Ajax.