Arsene Wenger Reportedly Resists Arsenal Director Search to Keep Transfer Power

Arsenal are reportedly no longer set to appoint a director of football to help manage their transfer strategy this summer after manager Arsene Wenger "proved resistant to relinquishing control." 

According to the Evening Standard's James Olley, the Gunners had planned to make the appointment and a number of names had been "sounded out" during the latter half of last season.

Arsenal will still hire a new member of staff to work under Wenger, but "it is as yet unclear exactly what responsibilities" the position will carry.

The Frenchman was handed a new two-year deal to stay at the club beyond this summer, and his entire coaching staff is expected to remain also, according to Olley.

Despite Wenger guiding the Gunners to their third FA Cup in four years in May, the decision to give him a new deal likely went against the wishes of many Arsenal fans, frustrated by the Gunners' humiliating recent record in the UEFA Champions League and their failure to even qualify for the competition this year by finishing fifth.

Per Olley, chief executive Ivan Gazidis spoke of there being a "catalyst for change" at the Emirates Stadium in order to transform the club back into one that could compete for the Premier League title and in Europe.

However, Wenger has shown his unwillingness to work with a director of football, per Football.London's Charlie Watts:

Bleacher Report Football's James McNicholas believed an appointment of someone in that position would be a good move:

Indeed, one of the repeated sources of criticism by fans in recent years is Arsenal's failure to match their rivals in the transfer market.

With the exceptions of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, marquee captures have been few and far between.

While Wenger may desire control over every aspect of the club relating to his team and the recruitment of players, this is one area in which it would benefit him to have help.

This latest example of the manager's stubbornness is unlikely to sit well with Arsenal fans—particularly those who wanted him out—so if Arsenal don't have a successful summer transfer window there will be added pressure on him from the outset of next season.