Arsenal close in on Arnaldo Abrantes, Chelsea defender returns as Alonso arrives

Arsenal close in on Arnaldo Abrantes, Chelsea defender returns as Alonso arrives

Arsenal are closing in on appointing former Olympic sprinter Arnaldo Abrantes as the Gunners’ new first-team doctor after the sacking of Zafar Iqbal. The Telegraph reports that Abrantes is now poised for the job. Abrantes is understood to have left his most recent position as the head of medical services at Aston Villa following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season. The 39-year-old has also worked for Nottingham Forest as head of performance in …

Ornstein confirms Arsenal have made their first major move of the summer

Arsenal are set to appoint Arnaldo Abrantes as their new doctor after the sacking of Zafar Iqbal recently.

Arsenal target Abrantes after surprise doctor change

Arsenal have identified Arnaldo Abrantes as favourite to replace Dr Zafar Iqbal after a surprise medical department change.

Report: Arsenal turn to ex-Olympian to replace outgoing head of medicine

The Athletic reports that Arnaldo Abrantes will replace Dr Zafar Iqbal as Arsenal’s head of medicine and performance. The news comes just days after The Telegraph revealed that the Gunners had parted company with Iqbal, who had held the role since February 2024. Abrantes arrives with an unusual background. A former sprinter, he represented Portugal at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games in Beijing and London and competed at the World Championships i…

Arsenal set to appoint former Olympian as new head doctor after Zafar Iqbal exit

Arsenal are reportedly closing in on the appointment of Arnaldo Abrantes as the club’s new head doctor following the departure of Zafar Iqbal. The Portuguese sports medicine specialist is expected to arrive in north London this summer after leaving his position as head of medical services at Aston Villa. Abrantes would become Arsenal’s latest senior appointment behind the scenes as the club continues its review of medical and performance operati…

A new doctor and Arsenal injuries

Morning all. Injuries have long been a topic of discussion among Arsenal fans, and so it was interesting that this week it was reported that the club’s head doctor, Zafar Iqbal, was to leave. David Ornstein reports now that he will be replaced by Portuguese Arnaldo Abrantes, who has just left his role as Head of Medical Services at Aston Villa. He also has history with Nottingham Forest and Estoril. If you ask Arsenal fans whether we’re a team t…