Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal are set to strengthen their backroom staff with the appointment of former Manchester United and Real Madrid defender Gabriel Heinze, according to The Athletic.
The 47-year-old Argentine will join Mikel Arteta’s coaching team following the departure of Carlos Cuesta, who recently took up the head coach role at Italian side Parma. Heinze’s arrival marks a reunion with Arteta, his former teammate at Paris Saint-Germain during the 2001/02 season.
Heinze enjoyed a decorated playing career, winning the Premier League with Manchester United in 2007, La Liga with Real Madrid in 2008, and an Olympic gold medal with Argentina in 2004. Since retiring in 2014, he has held managerial roles at Godoy Cruz, Argentinos Juniors, Vélez Sarsfield, Atlanta United, and Newell’s Old Boys, gaining a reputation as a tactically sharp and no-nonsense leader.
READ MORE: Al-Nassr preparing £73m bid for Arsenal star this summer
His close relationship with Arteta is believed to have played a key role in his appointment. The Arsenal boss has previously credited Heinze and Mauricio Pochettino for shaping his early professional outlook, saying at the start of the 2024/25 season: “They were guiding me in everything I had to do in my professional life, how I had to understand the game, and they were inspirational to me.”
Arsenal - Gabriel Heinze
Former Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze (Image credit: Getty Images)
Heinze’s inclusion in the coaching setup comes at a pivotal moment for Arsenal, who are seeking to end a run of three consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
He will work alongside assistant manager Albert Stuivenberg, set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, and goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana, forming part of a unit credited with Arsenal’s recent progress.
The appointment, reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein and James McNicholas, has also sparked reaction among Manchester United fans. Heinze, who made 83 appearances for United and was a fan favourite for his aggressive style and defensive grit, now joins a major Premier League rival, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming season.
NEXT ARTICLE: Former Arsenal striker joins Saudi Pro League side on free transfer