Mikel Arteta — Manager
Mikel Arteta continues as Arsenal’s first-team manager, a role he assumed in December 2019. The Spanish tactician, formerly club captain, has overseen a significant squad rebuild and stylistic transformation. His approach emphasises high pressing, positional play, and controlled possession. Arteta’s tenure has seen Arsenal return to Champions League contention. His contract reflects the board’s long-term confidence in his project.
Albert Stuivenberg — Assistant Coach
Dutchman Albert Stuivenberg serves as Arteta’s primary assistant. Stuivenberg has worked with the Wales national team and at Manchester United. His responsibilities include training session design, tactical planning, and opposition analysis. Stuivenberg is often seen on the touchline during matches, relaying instructions and adjustments to the players.
Carlos Cuesta — Assistant Coach
Carlos Cuesta, a Spanish coach with a background in data analysis and methodology, is another key figure in Arteta’s technical staff. He joined Arsenal after working with the club’s academy and has since been promoted to the first-team bench. Cuesta specialises in set-piece organisation and attacking patterns.
Miguel Molina — Assistant Coach
Miguel Molina, also Spanish, joined the coaching staff. He previously worked with Arteta at Manchester City’s academy and later at Arsenal’s youth setup. Molina focuses on individual player development and transitional phases.
Steve Round — Senior Coach
Steve Round brings extensive Premier League experience to the coaching group. He has served as assistant manager at Everton, Manchester United, and Derby County. At Arsenal, Round works on defensive organisation and game management, particularly in high-pressure matches.
Iñaki Caña Pavón — Goalkeeping Coach
Iñaki Caña Pavón is Arsenal’s goalkeeping coach. The Spanish specialist previously worked at Brentford and with the England national team. His methods focus on footwork, distribution, and decision-making under pressure. Caña has overseen the development of Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya.
Javi Garcia — Goalkeeping Coach
Javi Garcia joined as an additional goalkeeping coach. His background includes work in La Liga academies and with the Spanish Football Federation. Garcia’s role involves specific technical drills and video analysis for match preparation.
Andreas Georgson — Set-Piece Coach
Andreas Georgson was appointed as set-piece coach, a role that has become increasingly prominent in modern football. The Swedish specialist previously worked at Malmö FF and Southampton. His focus is on both offensive and defensive set-piece routines, including corners, free kicks, and throw-ins.
Nicolas Jover — Set-Piece Coach (Former)
Nicolas Jover departed the club after a stint that saw Arsenal become one of the Premier League’s most effective set-piece teams. His methods, which included detailed choreography and player-specific assignments, remain part of the coaching framework under Georgson.
Sam Wilson — Head of Athletic Performance
Sam Wilson oversees the physical conditioning and injury prevention programs. He joined from Manchester City, where he worked with Arteta previously. Wilson’s team manages player load monitoring, recovery protocols, and strength and conditioning.
James Smith — First-Team Physiotherapist
James Smith leads the medical team responsible for player rehabilitation and injury management. He has been with Arsenal, having previously worked in the NFL. Smith coordinates with the coaching staff to ensure safe return-to-play timelines for injured players.
Craig Gant — Head of Sports Science
Craig Gant joined Arsenal from the English Institute of Sport. His role involves using data to optimise training loads, match preparation, and recovery strategies. Gant works closely with the athletic performance team to tailor individualised programs for each player.
Edu Gaspar — Sporting Director (Until 2024)
Edu Gaspar served as Arsenal’s sporting director. The Brazilian former midfielder was instrumental in the squad rebuild, overseeing transfers such as Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, and Gabriel Jesus. His relationship with Arteta was central to the club’s recruitment strategy. Edu’s departure marked a transition in the club’s technical leadership.
Jason Ayto — Interim Sporting Director (2024–2025)
Following Edu’s exit, Jason Ayto was appointed as interim sporting director. Ayto has been with Arsenal, previously serving as head of football operations. His responsibilities include managing transfer negotiations, contract renewals, and scouting coordination. The club is expected to make a permanent appointment in due course.
James King — Head of Recruitment
James King leads the scouting department, identifying talent across domestic and international markets. He joined from Brentford, where he built a reputation for data-driven recruitment. King’s team uses advanced analytics to assess player performance, potential, and fit with Arteta’s tactical system.
Per Mertesacker — Academy Manager
Per Mertesacker, the former Arsenal captain, continues as academy manager. The German oversees the development pathway from Hale End to the first team. Under his leadership, the academy has produced several graduates who have made first-team appearances, including Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and Ethan Nwaneri. Mertesacker’s emphasis on technical education and character development aligns with the club’s long-term philosophy.
Jack Wilshere — U18 Head Coach
Jack Wilshere, a former Arsenal midfielder, was appointed as U18 head coach. His role involves developing young players in the academy’s final stage before potential first-team integration. Wilshere’s hands-on coaching style and understanding of the club’s culture make him a valuable link between the academy and senior setup.
Mehmet Ali — U21 Head Coach
Mehmet Ali manages the U21 squad, which serves as the final stepping stone to the first team. He has been with Arsenal’s academy, previously coaching at various youth levels. Ali’s team often participates in the EFL Trophy, providing competitive experience against senior opposition.
Barry Solan — Head of Academy Sports Science
Barry Solan oversees the physical development of academy players. His work includes growth monitoring, injury prevention, and age-appropriate conditioning programs. Solan coordinates with the first-team sports science department to ensure a seamless transition for promoted players.
What to Verify
When assessing Arsenal’s coaching staff composition, always consult the official club website and the Premier League’s published technical staff lists. Coaching roles and personnel can change during the season, particularly after transfer windows or following poor results. For the most accurate and current information, refer to press releases from the club and verified reports from reputable football journalists. Note that specific contract lengths, salaries, and detailed internal responsibilities are often not publicly disclosed and may vary based on individual agreements and club policies.
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