Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswick insists Ivan Gazidis is committed to the club

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

The incumbent Arsenal CEO has been linked with a move to Serie a outfit AC Milan as executive director.

Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswick has denied that chief executive Ivan Gazidis will be joining AC Milan. In a statement, the 78-year-old British merchant banker stated that the South African is committed to the club, although multiple reports suggest that he is on the verge of becoming the Serie A outfit's new executive director.

Multiple Italian media reports suggested that the club's new American owners, hedge fund Elliot Management, were eyeing Gazidis to join them in September. The new owners are aiming to completely revamp the club's board as part of their plans.

The speculation was further supported by Paul Singer being an Arsenal fan. He runs the hedge fund which has taken control of the Rossoneri. He's also believed to be a close follower of Gazidis' work.

In a statement issued on the club's website Keswick said, "We are aware of the speculation surrounding our chief executive Ivan Gazidis. We know he receives many offers from organizations inside and outside the game as he’s a hugely respected figure."

ALSO READ:

Transfer Talk: Real Madrid interested in Edinson Cavani

Parma striker Emanuele Calaio banned for match-fixing , club docked points

AS Roma threaten legal actions against Bordeaux

He further added, "He has never accepted any of these opportunities and has never spoken about them publicly. He has always been fully committed to taking Arsenal forward and is currently working hard in Singapore with our new head coach Unai Emery as we prepare for the new season.”

Earlier new manager Emery had stated that he wanted the 53-year-old to remain with the Gunners for years to come, when questioned about the speculation.

The former Sevilla manager said, "I speak every day with him. He has been committed here for many, many years. I think he continues here because it is a big project and his commitment to Arsenal is very strong. We are speaking about every decision for our club.”

Gazidis accepted the Arsenal job in November 2008 and formally joined on 1st January 2009. He succeeded former managing director Keith Edelman. During his tenure, former manager Arsene Wenger departed at the end of last season and he oversaw the arrival of new man Emery.

He has been heralded as a key figure in Arsenal's on-field and off-field activities, with many expecting him to kick-start a bold new era after the Frenchman's departure.