Arsenal split behind the scenes over bringing former captain David O’Leary back

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There is division behind the scenes at Arsenal over bringing former captain David O’Leary back to the club for a role on the board, according to the Daily Mail.

They report that Sir Chips Keswick and Lord Harris of Peckham are among the names who are keen for the former Leeds boss to return to the club.

But apparently Raul Sanllehi is opposed to the plan and wants to veto it because of reservations over creating another brand new position so soon after Edu’s arrival.

The report goes on to say that O’Leary has links with the ‘old guard’ on the board and perhaps Sanllehi, someone who is trying to take the club in a new direction, is opposed to that.

TBR’s View – Does O’Leary fit into the forward-thinking vision Sanllehi has for the club?

Although Unai Emery has not been able to improve results on the pitch so far this season, Arsenal have put in place a number of former players in roles which should pay dividends.

Edu is already having an impact, overseeing summer spending and procuring a gem in Gabriel Martinelli, while Freddie Ljungberg and Per Mertesacker have been key in bringing through the exciting young generation.

But O’Leary is of an older vintage than that trio and may not necessarily fit into the more dynamic approach the club needs in 2019 – so perhaps his current ambassadorial role is a better fit.