Arsenal Sack Sanllehi Amid Investigation Into £72m Pepe Deal

by AnaedoOnline
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Arsenal have confirmed the exit of Head of Football, Raul Sanllehi, on Saturday. In an official club statement, the Gunners said current managing director, Vinai Venkatesham, will take over.

“Raul has made a big contribution during his time with us and will always be part of the Arsenal family. We thank him for all his hard work and expertise and wish him every future success,” part of the statement read.

Raul, who joined us from Barcelona, said: “I’m proud and pleased with the contribution I’ve made at Arsenal over the past three years, and look forward to enjoying the club’s future success. Arsenal is a true footballing institution.

“Personally, I now look forward to taking some time off and spending time with family and friends before setting to work on a new challenge and cheering Arsenal on to great things.”

This comes as reports emerged that Arsenal have opened investigation into the £72million deal that saw Nicolas Pepe arrive at the club last year.

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The Premier League club paid £20m up front and will spread the £52m balance over the next five years, the first instalment of which is due this summer. This has led a review of the scouting reports and negotiating process which led to such a big deal being sanctioned.

 

Anaedoonline.ng reported that Arsenal has opened an internal investigation to determine if they overpaid in the £72m club-record signing of Nicolas Pepe, ESPN reports.

It is believed that part of this, had led to the dismissal of a number of scouts including Francis Cagigao, Brian McDermott and Brian Clark.

Pepe arrived from Lille last summer, despite the then manager, Unai Emery preferring to sign Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace.

Although he endured an inconsistent debut at the Emirates, Pepe finished the season with eight goals and 10 assists in all competitions.

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There is said to be no sense of regret at signing the 25-year-old, but many people within the game were surprised at the size of the fee Arsenal paid to Lille, especially with how tight finances are with the Gunners.

Arsenal paid £20m upfront and will spread the £52m balance over the next five years, the first installment of which is due this summer. This has led a review of the scouting reports and negotiating process which led to such a big deal being sanctioned.

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