Members of Arsenal’s hierarchy are considering former captain David O’Leary for a job as a club consultant.
Chairman Sir Chips Keswick is among those at the North London club who want to appoint the Irishman, as reported by Neil Moxley in his column for The People.
O’Leary made a record 722 appearances for the Gunners during his 19 years at Highbury and has held an ambassadorial role since 2014.
It is understood that Keswick, who has been the club’s chairman since 2013 after initially joining the board of directors in 2005, wants O’Leary to assist with the club’s recruitment, in particular.
However, Arsenal’s current head of football Raul Sanllehi – the man who would be most affected by his arrival – is understood to be against the move .
(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
In addition to spending almost two decades with the Gunners as a player, O’Leary also has experience as a manager with the likes of Leeds United and Aston Villa.
He enjoyed success with both clubs, helping to take Leeds to the semi-finals of the Champions League in the 2000-01 season before their defeat to Valencia.
The Republic of Ireland international also helped Villa to finish sixth in the Premier League – one point outside a European spot – in his first full season with the Midlands club and with a limited budget.
(Image: Craig Mercer/Sportimage via PA Images)
O’Leary, who helped Arsenal to two league titles and FA Cup triumphs as a player, has been spotted at many of the Gunners’ matches this season.
Despite currently sitting sixth in the table, Unai Emery’s side have struggled to find consistency and are eight points adrift of the top four after a taking just two points in their last four league games.
Following a 2-0 defeat to Leicester City before the international break, Arsenal return to action next Saturday when they host a Southampton side that is currently struggling in the relegation zone.
