Arsenal’s search for a new Under 21 head coach has hit a stumbling block after a leading candidate has reportedly decided not to take up the role.
The vacancy arose following Mehmet Ali’s departure to Brentford earlier this summer. Ali guided the Gunners to an eighth-place finish in Premier League 2 last season.
He joined Brentford to work as a first-team assistant manager under new boss Keith Andrews.
Arsenal's hierarchy had been keen to swiftly replace him, with one of the names on the shortlist being a figure who remains hugely popular among the Emirates faithful.