Arsenal are pressing ahead with plans to appoint their first-ever director of football, with former player Marc Overmars among the early contenders for the role.
In a move that is unlikely to be well received by under-fire boss Arsene Wenger, the club are continuing with their search for a new football figurehead.
Arsenal chiefs want a candidate to not only be in charge of club transfers, but also oversee the entire footballing ethos.
Wenger has become the single most important figure, in a football sense, at the club during his 21-year reign - having the final say on transfer and team matters.