Arsenal swoop to bring in highly-rated Leicester scout

Arsenal: Have a new scout in their ranks

Arsenal: Have a new scout in their ranks

Arsenal have finalised a deal to secure the services of Leicester’s head of technical scouting Ben Wrigglesworth.

He worked under head of recruitment Steve Walsh at the Foxes but has now joined their title rivals.

It is also understood Wrigglesworth has already been replaced at the King Power Stadium.

An account claiming to be from Wrigglesworth on social media confirmed the move.

“After three-and-a-half unbelievable seasons, working with amazing people, I am now starting a new chapter,” he wrote.

‘It was a very difficult decision, leaving Leicester, but I had to take an opportunity that doesn’t come round often.

‘I only wish the best for Leicester in the future.”

Wrigglesworth had been part of the scouting team which has helped the Foxes to the top of the Barclays Premier League although any targets likely to be signed by Leicester go through a due diligence process rather than one individual.

Jamie Vardy – the league’s 18-goal top scorer – was signed from Fleetwood for £1million in 2012 while 15-goal winger Riyad Mahrez joined from Le Havre for a reported £400,000 two years later.

Boss Claudio Ranieri has praised Walsh and Leicester’s scouting department this season. Walsh, also joint assistant manager at the Foxes, stayed at the club after Ranieri replaced Nigel Pearson last summer and was previously European scout at Chelsea during Jose Mourinho’s first spell at the club.