ARSENAL ARE PLANNING TO OVERHAUL SCOUTING

ARSENAL will overhaul their scouting department after the expected departure of head of recruitment Sven Mislintat. The Gunners’ head of football Raul Sanllehi wants to employ a new technical director — a job Mislintat wanted. But Sanllehi appears to be looking elsewhere to fill the role. Former Arsenal midfielder Edu has been linked to the position — though there were suggestions yesterday he is ready to turn it down. Mislintat still looks likely to leave the Emirates — which would open up a key role within the scouting department. Long-serving scout Francis Cagigao remains an integral part of the operation and his influence is set to grow. Steve Rowley — who officially left the club in 2017 — is likely to be considered for an increased role at the club after continuing to work for Arsenal on a consultancy basis. Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Unai Emery wants to encourage ‘friction’ between his players as he bids to put their top-four hopes back on track. Emery said: ‘At certain times, you have to provoke friction with footballers. ‘From that friction, you can get something more out of them, something from inside, a greater sense of ambition or maybe even a complaint — a complaint regarding the team can be positive. You have to be careful because that friction can break a relationship, but I believe in always looking for more with conversations which are comfortable but also with conversations which are less comfortable. ‘As a manager, you have to get the maximum out of that player and at the same time make sure he fits with the rest of the team so that everyone is better.’