Mikel Arteta Speaks on Josh Kroenke’s Training Ground Visit Amid Arsenal Sporting Director Search

Mikel Arteta welcomes Josh Kroenke during Arsenal sporting director search, stressing leadership and unity before PSV Champions League clash.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reflected on Josh Kroenke’s recent visit to London Colney, which arrives at a key moment in the sporting director search. As the Gunners prepare for their Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven, Kroenke’s presence underlines the board’s commitment to supporting the team.

Kroenke, who serves as Arsenal’s co-chairman, visited the training ground as the Gunners prepare for their upcoming Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven. He arrived at a crucial moment, with Arsenal finalizing their decision on appointing a new sporting director — a move that could shape the club’s long-term future.

Arteta welcomed Kroenke’s involvement, stressing that his presence always carries weight. “He’s around at big moments as well. He really wants to be with the team, and it’s great to have him,” the Spaniard said. According to Arteta, Kroenke’s visit reflects genuine commitment rather than a symbolic gesture.

The timing is especially significant. Arsenal are expected to announce a new sporting director soon following the departure of Edu Gaspar, who left the role to oversee Evangelos Marinakis’ football network. Reports in Europe suggest former Atlético Madrid sporting director Andrea Berta is among the leading candidates, with a deal described as “very close.”

Arteta acknowledged the scale of the decision and stressed the importance of aligning himself with the new sporting director. “I think the club will make the decision relatively quickly,” he said. “Whether it’s Jason or somebody else, I expect the process to finish soon.”

For Arsenal, the combination of Kroenke’s presence and the anticipated sporting director announcement underscores a moment of transition and ambition. As they chase Champions League success while competing domestically, leadership decisions off the pitch will be just as crucial as performances on it.

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