Chelsea name Frank Arnesen as new sporting director

12 July 2009 10:56
Arnesen has taken up his new role with immediate effect after working as chief scout and director of youth and development at the Premier League club. A club statement said that Arnesen would "continue with his roles relating to the reserves and academy" but as a result of his new position "will also now take on responsibilities relating to the co-ordination of first team activity and supporting the first team manager". New manager Carlo Ancelotti tried to persuade Paolo Maldini, who played under him at AC Milan, to join his coaching staff at Stamford Bridge after retiring from playing at the end of last season. Maldini rejected the offer and now Arnesen will have a greater say in first-team affairs. "Frank will continue to report to the chief executive, Peter Kenyon," the statement added. "As Chelsea continues to grow rapidly, the board wanted increased senior support for the first team and new manager on a daily basis at Cobham [the training ground] to help assist the overall long-term football and business strategy of the club." Ibrahimovic has claimed Chelsea are set to make a £60 million move for him and, in his new role, the Dane could well be involved in setting up the deal. The Swedish international has been quoted saying: "I am fully aware that Chelsea want to sign me and, of course, it is very flattering. They are one of the biggest teams in Europe and the Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world. "Money is not the most important thing. I will base my decision on what's good for me, what suits me. It is about asking: will I still be able to be special in the league that I am going to, to the team that I am going to? Are my qualities right for the Premier League or not?" Ibrahimovic, 27, has spent the last five years with the Serie A champions, and has scored more than 150 league goals in his career as well as 20 for his country. Arnesen may also have a say in the future of John Terry. The Chelsea captain is understood to have met with Roman Abramovich, the club's owner, over the weekend and while Ancelotti insisted last week that Terry was staying, the belief persists that Manchester City are set to make a third offer for the England defender.

Source: Telegraph