Arsenal are considering Felicity Barnard as a potential replacement for Vinai Venkatesham next summer, according to a report.

Alan Nixon reports for The S*n that Arsenal are short-listing Felicity Barnard as a possible replacement for departing Chief Executive Vinai Venkatesham.

Barnard currently works as a Non-Executive Director with England Boxing Limited, The Great Run Company, and Great British Racing, as well as being the Deputy CEO and Commercial Director for Ascot Racecourse.

Barnard previously worked at Arsenal as a Partnership Development Director in London and Singapore between December 2010 and April 2014.

She then moved on to work as a Commercial Director at West Ham United until September 2017.

You’d imagine Arsenal are unlikely to make an instant decision, given Venkatesham’s delayed departure has afforded them time to conduct a proper recruitment process.

Venkatesham decided it was time for him to move on and pursue a new challenge, but he’s delayed his exit until next summer.

Until then, he remains in charge and working as normal.

The Arsenal Chief Executive is highly regarded internally and across the football industry, so it won’t be an easy task replacing him.

“This was a tough decision, but it is time to pursue another challenge,” Venkatesham said. “Now is not the time for goodbyes as I remain focused until my last day and supporting a seamless transition.”

Josh Kroenke added: “The Board is fully supportive of Vinai’s desire to pursue his next challenge.

“Whilst it is business as usual with everyone focused on the season ahead, we’d like to take this moment to thank him for his contribution and long service.

“Vinai will always be part of the Arsenal family and always welcome back at Emirates Stadium.

“Change and succession is something the club is well prepared for. The Board remains committed to our strategy and will address leadership change as we continue to drive the club forward.”