Tony Adams in talks with Chongqing Lifan over head of youth development role after turning down Arsenal U18 job

  • Tony Adams is in discussions with Chinese club Chongqing Lifan 
  • The 49-year-old had been invited to take over Arsenal's Under 18s
  • But he will now take on a role as Chongqing's head of youth development

Tony Adams is in discussions with Chinese club Chongqing Lifan after turning down the chance to coach at Arsenal.

The 49-year-old former club captain had been invited to take over Arsenal's Under 18s following the departure of Thierry Henry.

But he has opted to take a lucrative role as head of youth development with Chinese Super League side Chongqing who finished eighth last season.

Tony Adams (left, in May 2000 with Arsene Wenger) is in discussions with Chinese club Chongqing Lifan

Tony Adams (left, in May 2000 with Arsene Wenger) is in discussions with Chinese club Chongqing Lifan

The former Arsenal defender has previously coached in Azerbaijan and could now be heading to China

The former Arsenal defender has previously coached in Azerbaijan and could now be heading to China

Wenger offered the U18s job to Gunners legend, Adams, on the condition that he first completed a trial period. 


However, just a few weeks into that trial, Adams has left his former manager looking for another coach to assist Kwame Ampadu.

Adams travelled to China for talks with Chongqing this week; Chongqing is a sprawling municipality at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers in southwestern China.

Meanwhile, Henry is now looking for the right place to continue working towards his Uefa pro licence, with the possibility of joining another club or national association.

Thierry Henry left his role with Arsenal's youth set-up after being given an ultimatum by Arsene Wenger 

Thierry Henry left his role with Arsenal's youth set-up after being given an ultimatum by Arsene Wenger