Unclear whether Arsenal will hire a direct replacement for Ivan Gazidis

It is as yet unclear whether Arsenal will appoint a direct replacement for Ivan Gazidis.

Josh Kroenke, son of majority shareholder Stan, had been considered the most likely candidate for the role of chief executive given he has spent more time in London since the turn of the year and taken a keener interest in the day-to-day running of the club.

Reacting to the news of Gazidis’ resignation , Kroenke Jr 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. 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.”

Gazidis has consistently been accused by some supporters of prioritising profit over performance but his parting message to those associated with the club spoke of a decade-long emotional rollercoaster.

“To Sir Chips Keswick, Lord Phil Harris, Ken Friar and my wonderful management team and staff, on and off the field, to Arsène Wenger, Unai Emery and to the fans of this giant and incredible club, thank you for your immense support and friendship over so many years and for the wonderful privilege of being part of the journey,” he added.

“We lived through many emotions together, the highs and the lows of football, and I am proud to be able to say that I gave this club and its fantastic people everything that I had in me. I am excited and energised for the future for myself and for Arsenal Football Club and I will always hold it in my heart.”

AC Milan also released a statement announcing what they described as the appointment of a “world-class CEO”.

Milan chairman Paolo Scaroni said: “Ivan Gazidis will bring an unparalleled level of business acumen and football industry experience to the club. He helped establish professional football in the United States; he brought Arsenal to new heights; and we can’t wait for him to get started here in Milan.

“The fundamentals are now in place for success, which we recognize will take time, hard work, and perseverance.”