According to James Olley in the Evening Standard, Arsenal will attempt to kill two birds with one stone by making an internal appointment to a mooted sporting director position that ensures one of the club’s most esteemed members of staff stays at the Emirates.

Spaniard Francis Cagigao, the Gunners head of international recruitment, is considered as a serious candidate to move up the ladder in any structural reshuffle as the board work on a long-term plan for life after Arsene Wenger.

It’s claimed that a sporting director could be hired even if the Frenchman signs a new deal with Marc Overmars also touted in some quarters for the role.

Cagigao, who has been working with Wenger for nearly 20 years and is under contract at Arsenal until 2020, is credited with recommending the signings of Cesc Fabregas, Jose Antonio Reyes, Manuel Almunia (*cough*), Lauren, Hector Bellerin, Santi Cazorla and Alexis Sanchez.

During Rafa Benitez’s tenure, he was linked with a move to Real Madrid while his knowledge and experience are also believed to have turned the heads of clubs in England, Germany and South America.

Having teased the media with an imminent announcement about his future it now appears that Wenger’s future won’t be decided until the end of the season.

To add to the confusion there’s a lot of speculation about what might happen with stories spinning out of the club about transfer warchests, player contract negotiations and internal friction with CEO Ivan Gazidis doing the rounds.

Change is being demanded, however, what form that change takes remains to be seen. If there’s to be any at all.