Former Real Madrid, Man United player with Lionel Messi connection joins Arsenal

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Arsenal are looking to build their squad ahead of the start of the new season, and a change in Mikel Arteta's coaching setup is imminent.

Carlos Cuesta, Mikel Arteta's assistant, recently took over as head coach of Serie B side Parma. And after that, the Gunners are set to bring in a replacement.

As per The Athletic, former Manchester United and Real Madrid player Gabriel Heinze will join Mikel Arteta's backroom as an assistant coach. Heinze, 47, shares a past connection with Arteta from their playing days together at Paris Saint-Germain during the 2001-02 season.

Since retiring in 2014, the ex-Argentina international has held head coaching roles at Godoy Cruz, Atlanta United in MLS, and most recently at Newell's Old Boys - the club where his professional journey began. His tenure at Newell's ended in November 2023 after a year in charge. The Newell's Old Boys is also the club where the career of Lionel Messi started, before the Argentina legend moved to the La Masia academy in Barcelona.

As a player, Heinze enjoyed a decorated career, securing domestic titles in England, Spain, and France with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Marseille respectively. He also earned 72 international caps for Argentina, winning Olympic gold in Athens in 2004.

Who will Gabriel Heinze join at Arsenal?

At Arsenal, Heinze will work alongside Albert Stuivenberg (assistant coach), Nico Jover (set-piece specialist), and Inaki Cana (goalkeeping coach) - a trio that has formed the core of Arteta's backroom staff since 2021.

The Gunners have missed out on the Premier League title, finishing 2nd in all of the last three seasons. The challenge for Arteta this season to win the league is huge and Heinze's arrival is expected to make an impact in the course of the season.

The North London club has already signed Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea and they are likely to make a few more additions to the squad.