OFFICIAL: Gabriel Heinze joins Arsenal's coaching team

Days after announcing the signing of Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal have made a new signing official, although this time it is not for the pitch, but for the sidelines. Gabriel Heinze, the former Argentinean footballer, will be part of Mikel Arteta's coaching staff.

The Gunners have announced that the 47-year-old will become first-team assistant. The 73-times capped Argentina international arrives in London to bring his "great experience as a player and coach", the statement said.

The 'Gringo' had an extensive playing career as a defender that took him from Newell's Old Boys to Real Valladolid, Sporting CP, PSG, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Olympique Marseille and Roma, before coming full circle back to 'La Lepra' in 2012.

As a coach, Heinze has had irregular experiences. He made his debut in 2015 with Godoy Cruz and then moved on to Argentinos Juniors (2016-2017), with whom he was promoted to the Argentinian's first tier; Velez Sarsfield (2018-2020); Atlanta United (2021) and Newell's (2023).

Now he is stepping aside to join a top-level coaching staff as an assistant. Crespo will be Mikel Arteta's right-hand man in an Arsenal team that will try to fight again for the Premier League with Liverpool and Manchester City.