Arsenal chief executive Vinai Venkatesham is set to leave the club next summer, giving the Gunners a year to make a succession plan.

David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that Vinai Venkatesham is set to leave Arsenal next summer.

The Arsenal chief executive has reportedly decided it’s time for him to move on and pursue a new challenge, but he’s given the club time to find his replacement over the next year.

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

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

The Arsenal chief executive is highly regarded internally and across the football industry, so the decision will likely be viewed as a blow for the Gunners.

But with a year to appoint a successor, the hope will be that Arsenal can find a suitable alternative before Venkatesham leaves, easing the transition.

Josh Kroenke said of the decision: “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.”

Venkatesham stepped up at Arsenal following the departure of Raul Sanllehi, and he’s helped to oversee a period of positive progress.

From 2020 to today, Arsenal have made positive steps on and off the field, with new commercial deals behind the scenes and a team of quality young players heading in the right direction on the pitch.

The challenge now is to maintain that, and Venkatesham’s departure could make that a little more complicated, if not addressed correctly.