Arsenal are closing in on former Chelsea academy chief Jim Fraser as their new head of recruitment, following the abrupt departure of technical director James Ellis.
Ellis only stepped into his role seven months ago after being promoted from head of recruitment to give sporting director Andrea Berta more support.
He had made his mark immediately, playing a key part in bringing in the Quintero twins, Irish teenager Victor Ozhianvuna, and tying Max Dowman down to a long-term deal.
Per Mertesacker’s exit as academy manager at the end of the season had made Ellis’s continuation at the club all the more important. Now, Arsenal have to start again.
Transfer correspondent for Footyinsider247, Pete O’Rourke, reports that the north London club are targeting the former Chelsea man for the role.
Fraser spent over 20 years at Chelsea, where he rose to become their head of youth development and recruitment alongside Neil Bath before both men were shown the door in the summer of 2024 as part of a sweeping overhaul under new ownership.
During his time at Cobham, he helped produce Mason Mount, Reece James, Conor Gallagher, Marc Guehi, Tammy Abraham, Levi Colwill and Dominic Solanke. Gallagher once described his work there as “mind-blowing.”
He has been without a club since leaving Chelsea, and Arsenal see him as the right man to steady things at a time when their development structure needs some continuity.
Arteta’s side are currently top of the Premier League and chasing the title, so keeping the backroom in good shape matters just as much as what happens on the pitch.
