An exclusive in the Evening Standard, suggests Arsenal are aiming to retain Francis Cagigao by considering him for a new role as their sporting director.

The Spaniard, head of international recruitment at Arsenal, is credited with the acquisitions of Santi Cazorla, Hector Bellerín, and Alexis Sanchez in recent seasons. His relationship with Arsène Wenger is close and it’s probable he will be involved as a restructuring programme is reportedly planned for the summer.

Dick Law, the club’s main transfer negotiator, is rumoured to be leaving at the end of the season. In his absence, they’ll be looking for a senior figure to work alongside the manager and take responsibility for their recruitment strategy which has been heavily criticised in recent years.

A number of clubs across Europe and South America have expressed their interest in offering Cagigao a senior position, to try and lure him away from north London. However, if Arsenal decide to make an internal promotion to appoint a sporting director, he is a strong candidate.

Marc Overmars has been heavily linked recently and this news hasn’t been well-received by supporters. Arsene Wenger also seemed to know little about it when quizzed at his pre-Boro press conference.

As a result, it’d be a surprise for Arsenal not to promote from within and reward Cagigao’s hard work with an improved role as recognition of his efforts.