Man Utd poach 'extremely popular' member of Mikel Arteta's backroom staff in blow for Arsenal

Manchester United have poached a key member of Mikel Arteta's backroom staff in a blow for Arsenal ahead of the new season.

The Gunners are looking to build on the success of last season's second-place finish in the Premier League and will be hoping to go one better in the upcoming campaign.

There is currently a positive mood around the Emirates with Kai Havertz already joining the club from Chelsea, and Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber set to complete their moves from West Ham and Ajax respectively in the coming days.

But there will be an unexpected departure from the club later this summer, which could have a major impact on their plans for the season.

The Athletic have reported that Arsenal's head of medical services Gary O'Driscoll is defecting to rivals Manchester United.

The doctor, who first joined Arsenal in 2009, has become a key figure at the Emirates and is said to be 'highly-regarded' by the north London club.

O’Driscoll, 52, came close to joining Liverpool in 2020 before opting to stay. He has has also turned down other opportunities to leave the Gunners.

United have now managed to convince him to part ways with Arsenal ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

O’Driscoll is said to be 'extremely popular' at Arsenal and his departure will come as a blow to Arteta ahead of the new campaign.

While he was not 'seeking to go', a move to Old Trafford that allow him to move closer to his family in the north-west has proved to be too tempting.

United have needed to appoint a new head doctor since Steve McNally departed in December and was replaced by former Liverpool doctor Jim Moxon on an interim basis.

Moxon could remain part of the set up at United under O'Driscoll, who will remain with Arsenal for the time being to help integrate his successor before moving to Manchester later on this summer.