Arsenal’s behind-the-scenes overhaul appears set to continue, with The Telegraph reporting that Tom Allen, the club’s head of sports science and performance, is poised to leave.
Allen joined the Gunners from Aston Villa in 2017 and was promoted to his current role four years ago. Responsible for overseeing sports science, physical output, nutrition and performance support, he has become a trusted member of Mikel Arteta’s backroom team during one of the most successful periods of the Spaniard’s tenure.
It’s not yet clear whether Allen’s departure is of his own choosing or part of the wider restructuring taking place behind the scenes. Those we’ve spoken to describe him as a highly respected figure within the club, so it would come as little surprise if he had been tempted by an opportunity elsewhere.
His exit follows two other significant departures in Arsenal’s performance department. We have already reported that Dr Zafar Iqbal, the club’s head of sports medicine and performance, is moving on, while lead physical performance coach Sam Wilson is also leaving. Reports have linked Wilson with a reunion at Juventus with former Arsenal performance chief Darren Burgess.
Arsenal have already begun reshaping the department. Rehabilitation specialist Eneko Angulo is arriving from Real Betis, while Arnaldo Abrantes is expected to replace Iqbal.
Taken together, the changes, which follow a review of the club’s injury record led by external medical expert Joaquin Acedo, amount to one of the most significant overhauls of Arsenal’s medical and performance department since Mikel Arteta arrived in December 2019.