The super-agent’s involvement in some eyebrow-raising deals has sparked fears that the once famously resourceful club no longer has a coherent approach to recruitment
It is not unusual to hear Kia Joorabchian offering his thoughts via TalkSport but, when he began discussing David Luiz’s future 10 days ago, ears pricked up among many who deal regularly with Arsenal. One particular line from the agent served as a flashing light. The Premier League’s contract deadline of 23 June was fast approaching and Joorabchian believed there was plenty of work to do. “There are several issues within the whole structure that will be resolved,” he said, before returning to the theme of his high-profile client.
Joorabchian’s working relationship with the Arsenal hierarchy is no secret, and he was perfectly entitled to provide a commentary. But for some who have harboured reservations about his influence it was, as one puts it, the final straw. However it was intended, the statement felt overly familiar with the club’s internal concerns. The events that followed have shed light on the identity crisis evolving within Arsenal, which has caused dismay among former and existing staff.
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