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Arsenal eye Dortmund’s Michael Zorc as sporting director in move which will hit Arsene Wenger’s power

Newly-created position comes in the wake of Steve Rowley's departure and will see Gunners chief lose some responsibilities

ARSENAL are considering Dortmund's Michael Zorc for their newly-created sporting director role.

The position is being created following the departure of head scout Steve Rowley.

 Mitchell Zorc is being considered to join Arsenal's backroom team
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Mitchell Zorc is being considered to join Arsenal's backroom teamCredit: EPA

And the Mirror reports Zorc - who holds a similar position with Dortmund - is a leading contender.

The 55-year-old has been with the German outfit as a player and on the staff since 1978.

And Zorc has been credited with the rise of several stars - including Marco Reus - as Dortmund rose to challenge giants Bayern Munich.

The new position will limit Arsene Wenger's power at the Emirates, with the Frenchman currently enjoying near total responsibility over football matters.

 Zorc works closely with Dortmund manager Peter Bosz
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Zorc works closely with Dortmund manager Peter BoszCredit: Rex Features
 Arsene Wenger is set to lose some of his control at Arsenal
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Arsene Wenger is set to lose some of his control at ArsenalCredit: PA:Empics Sport

After handing the boss a two-year extension over the summer, Gunners chiefs were keen to restructure the backroom team.

Rowley was the casualty but he will not completely cut ties with the club despite standing down from his prominent role.


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The long-serving talent spotter was made chief scout in 1996 by Wenger, after working for George Graham, but is expected to stand down and follow chief transfer negotiator Dick Law out the door.

 Steve Rowley has been with Arsenal for three decades
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Steve Rowley has been with Arsenal for three decadesCredit: Rex Features
 Zorc enjoyed a successful spell as a player with Dortmund
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Zorc enjoyed a successful spell as a player with DortmundCredit: Reuters

Modern Arsenal has been shaped by Rowley, whose first discovery was an 11-year-old centre-back called Tony Adams.

Rowley - who spent 35 years at the club - headed up around 15 scouts based in Britain as well as head hunters in France, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Holland, the Czech Republic and Germany.

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