Arsenal are getting ready for life without Ivan Gazidis as the CEO moves closer to a move to AC Milan.

In Wednesday’s Telegraph, they have a story that looks very much like Arsenal trying to get ahead of this matter to reassure fans after issuing a statement that convinced nobody that the South African would be remaining at the club.

The Telegraph report that Gazidis has ‘formally informed’ the Arsenal board of an offer from Milan although they say a ‘definitive decision’ has not yet been made.

The respected powerhouse, Bloomberg, would seem to disagree. They already have Gazidis starting his new job on 1 September.

The Telegraph report claims that Gazidis, having overseen the transition from Arsene Wenger to Unai Emery, is ready for a fresh challenge. This claim is laughable. Gazidis arrived at Arsenal almost 10 years ago and has been allowed to take charge of things for approximately 12 months at most.

Like all CEO’s, his main concern is to his own bank balance.

Reports outside of the UK, especially in Italy, have been consistent in their claim that Gazidis will start with Milan once August is over, however, the Telegraph write that Gazidis would be required to work a period of notice at the club which would rule that out.

The Arsenal board are said to be hopeful of convincing Gazidis to stay.