Arsenal CEO Ivan Gazidis steps down, Raul Sanllehi and Vinai Venkatesham to fill the void

The 54-year old oversaw the appointment of Unai Emery following the end of Arsene Wenger's reign at the club.

Arsenal have announced via their social media handles that chief executive Ivan Gazidis will leave the Gunners on 31st October 2018. The Greek-South African man will take up a similar post at AC Milan. The club have even announced the new appointments to fill the void, with Raul Sanllehi becoming head of football and Vinai Venkatesham taking over the role of managing director.

Ivan Gazidis has issued the following message to the Arsenal fans, following his decision to leave the club

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 18, 2018

Speculation and rumours about Gazidis' possible departure to Milan began during the summer transfer window. He oversaw Unai Emery's appointment after the resignation of Arsene Wenger in May 2018. The 54-year-old joined the London club in 2009 and has played a major role in forming the current management structure at Emirates Stadium. He will now take up a similar role at the San Siro.

Raul Sanllehi and Vinai Venkatesham appointed head of football and managing director respectively, as Ivan Gazidis leaves for A.C. Milan

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 18, 2018

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The club are currently in the midst of an internal struggle, with majority shareholder Stan Kroenke launching a bid in August to take full control of the outfit through his company, Kroenke Sports and Entertainment (KSE). Josh Kroenke (his son and deputy chairman of KSE) praised Gazidis, for his work in Arsenal.

He said, "It has been a pleasure working with Ivan. We will miss the wisdom, insight and energy he brought to our club on a daily basis over the past decade," he said in the statement announcing Gazidis' departure. We are confident we have outstanding people in Raul and Vinai and we look forward to working with them and coach Unai Emery to continue to move the club forward on and off the pitch."