Manchester City talent spotter Sam Fagbemi is the second member of the clubs staff Arsenal are looking to attract to London this week. According to the Daily Mirror a deal has already been agreed for Mikel Arteta to become the Gunners’ new Head Coach – replacing Unai Emery but the club are keen to capture the highly-rated scout too.
The Daily Mail say the North London club will give the 25-year-old scout a ‘stronger grip’ on their youth recruitment structure than he currently has at City and that is said to be a key factor in the negotiations.
How big of a blow would it be to lose both Arteta and Fagbemi?
Massive blow
Won't notice they're gone
Judging by his press conference on Tuesday, Pep Guardiola is resigned to losing his right-hand man having revealed he was aware of the on-going discussions between Arsenal and Arteta.
The former Rangers, Everton and Arsenal player will be allowed to leave for the Emirates if he believes the job is right for him but it seems City won’t be so easy going regarding the future of Fagbemi.
TIF Tactics – A return home for Fagbemi?
Currently the Southern lead scout for Man City, Fagbemi has worked for Arsenal in the past. In fact, his previous position before taking up his role at the Etihad was as a video scout within the Arsenal youth-setup.
An announcement regarding Arteta’s future seems imminent but the City faithful will now be wondering whether or not they’re about to lose a second member of staff to Arsenal in a week.
Indeed, losing both Arteta and Fagbemi could be a blow to the club behind the scenes as they have both emerged as important figures under Guardiola, with Arteta being his right-hand man and spoken as a potential successor in the future whereas Fagbemi has had a huge influence in bringing talent from the south of the country to the club.