Arsenal talent ID coordinator Ayo Durojaiye is leaving the club to join Chelsea this summer, according to a report.

London Colney training centre (Photo via FootballTrainingGrounds.com)
London Colney training centre (Photo via FootballTrainingGrounds.com)

David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that among a number of additions to Chelsea’s backroom youth staff, Arsenal’s Ayo Durojaiye will be moving across London to join the Stamford Bridge club.

As well as Durojaiye, Ornstein reports that Chelsea are set to appoint Newcastle United scout Delroy Ebanks, as new academy director Glenn van der Kraan looks to make some changes at the club.

London Colney training pitches (Photo via FootballTrainingGrounds.com)
London Colney training pitches (Photo via FootballTrainingGrounds.com)

Durojaiye had spent over six years at Arsenal, first operating as a youth academy scout for a couple of years, before moving on to become the club’s lead talent ID coordinator for the 9-11 age group.

But Durojaiye has now reportedly been placed on gardening leave, after resigning from his position at Arsenal.

VIENNA, AUSTRIA - NOVEMBER 21: TV expert Per Mertesacker looks on prior to the international friendly match between Austria and Germany at Ernst Happel Stadion on November 21, 2023 in Vienna, Austria. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
VIENNA, AUSTRIA: Arsenal academy manager Per Mertesacker looks on prior to the international friendly match between Austria and Germany at Ernst Happel Stadion on November 21, 2023 in Vienna, Austria. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

There’s plenty of competition between the Premier League clubs to spot young talent at an early stage, particularly in London. Arsenal will need to replace Durojaiye effectively to ensure his departure doesn’t have a significant impact.