07 July 2023 , 11:47
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been dealt a significant blow with long-serving club doctor Gary O’Driscoll set to join Manchester United.
The 52-year-old has been with Arsenal since 2009 and has become a trusted member of the Gunners’ backroom team. During his time with the club, the North London side have won four FA Cups, whilst also sealing a return to the Champions League last term.
O’Driscoll has served under a succession of managers including Arsene Wenger, Unai Emery and more recently Arteta. However, his spell at the Emirates is set to come to an end. He will leave the club to join Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United.
The Red Devils have been looking for a new club doctor since December 2022 following the exit of Steve McNally - ex-Liverpool man Jim Moxon being appointed on an interim basis.
United have tempted O’Driscoll with an offer that is said to be too good to refuse. It also allows him to move closer to his family in the north-west.
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He will now oversee a transitional period at Arsenal in an effort to integrate a successor in north London before sealing his move to United officially later this summer. His offer also comes after turning down a move to Liverpool.
Gary O'Driscoll will leave Arsenal this summer (Getty Images)Where do you think Arsenal will finish next season? Share your predictions in the comments below
O’Driscoll was linked with a move to Anfield during the summer of 2020 with some suggestions that a switch was imminent. It was reported at the time that Arsenal had been advertising for a new club doctor, whilst interviews were already taking place.
However, he then performed a dramatic U-turn to stay with the Gunners. It was suggested that Arteta had played an active part in convincing him to stay, whilst Edu had also intervened.
Following that decision, O’Driscoll then enjoyed a touching moment with boss Arteta as Arsenal lifted the 2020 FA Cup. Come the full-time whistle at Wembley, the pair were pictured in an embrace before some telling words from the Spaniard.
TV cameras picked him up saying: “I told you, I told you. Believe in me, my friend. Believe in me.”
O’Driscoll’s departure is just the latest chapter in what has been an extremely busy summer at the Emirates Stadium. Arteta’s assistant boss Steve Round has already been confirmed to be leaving the club in what is a mutual agreement.
The Gunners are also busy on the transfer front. Ahead of the club’s return to the Champions League, the side are set to splurge over £200million. Kai Havertz has already arrived from Chelsea, whilst Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber are set to undergo medicals ahead of switches from West Ham and Ajax respectively.