Arsenal departure confirmed as 'highly-rated' scout joins Newcastle

Arsenal scout Edward Black has left his role at the club to join fellow Premier League side Newcastle, it has been confirmed.

Black joined the Gunners from Norwich last year, as per football.london, and was appointed as the club's Northern England and Scotland emerging talent scout.

The Arsenal academy is a key part of the club's DNA, with many homegrown players from across the UK and beyond making their first team debut for the Gunners before going on to have successful careers.

In the 21st century, the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Jack Wilshere, Bukayo Saka and Wojciech Szczesny have all come through the academy, with Ashley Cole, Ray Parlour, Tony Adams, Paul Merson and Martin Keown among the others to do so prior to then.

The loss of Black, therefore, described as 'highly-rated', will come as a blow to sporting director Edu, who will now have to source a replacement ahead of the summer.

Arsenal staff member departs

Taking to his personal Twitter account, Black confirmed the news of his departure to join Newcastle: "I'd like to share that I'm starting my new position of Professional Lead Academy Scout at Newcastle United Football Club.

"I would like to thank everyone at Arsenal - it was a pleasure working at such a great club. Excited to be working for the club I support and being part of the project."

As well as his work at Norwich, the 42-year-old also spent time at Wolves in a similar role, and will now move on to the club he supports following his stint at Arsenal.

According to Training Ground Guru, Newcastle technical director Dan Ashworth is keen to improve the club's Academy setup in order to bring through more homegrown at club players, with Black's appointment appearing to be an important one to help achieve that goal.