Arsenal’s new not-a-director-of-football, Raul Sanllehi, has admitted being ‘extremely excited’ about his new role at Arsenal, telling fans at a recent supporters forum that he is ‘very happy to be at the club.’

Sanllehi took up his new role at Arsenal at the start of last month and his recruitment is one of a number of moves the club have made to prepare for life after Arsene Wenger.

While the club state that he is not a director of football (his official title is Head of Football Relations), his role is certainly being played down while the Frenchman is still at the club.

Sanllehi spent 14 years working with Barcelona before being tempted to move to London and he recently explained how it was a ‘no-brainer’.

“[I’m] extremely excited about this new project in my life” Sanllehi said. “[I’m] very happy to be at the club, one of the top clubs in Europe. A club that everyone looks at. It was a no-brainier to join and very thankful for the opportunity. Someone asked me, ‘Why did I join Arsenal?’ I said, ‘Who wouldn’t!’

“When Ivan (Gazidis) explained the ideas he has got for the club and the people he wants to bring in, it was impossible to turn it down.

“Talked a lot about the great people that Arsenal have who dedicate their lives to the club and there is so much love.”

It’s not clear what type of people Ivan Gazidis still wants to bring in. As we know Sven Mislintat was already at the club when Sanllehi arrived, his comments about Gazidis are tantalising for their promise.

What sort of people? In what roles? Why are they so exciting?

I guess we won’t have that long to wait to find out.