James Ellis left Arsenal because his academy plans for next season did not align with those above him | OneFootball

James Ellis leaving his post as Arsenal technical director is a surprise, according to the Sun.

He was promoted to the role at the Emirates Stadium club last summer to support sporting director Andrea Berta with recruitment for Mikel Arteta’s side following the departure of Jason Ayto.

Ellis has now left the Gunners after just a few months in his new job because his plans for the academy next season did not align with those above him.

The former Arsenal head of recruitment is a strong character and he had very clear plans of the direction he wanted to take the academy during the 2026-27 season.

However, internal clashes happened as his direction did not seem to align with those above him, leading to his exit.

The 46-year-old, who started at Arsenal as first-team scout after joining from Fulham in the summer of 2021, was in charge of dealing with parents and sorting out contracts of academy stars.

Ellis helped the Gunners tie down Max Dowman to scholarship terms and had been in talks to do the same with other highly-rated youngsters at the North London club.

He will not be short of suitors in the Premier League and overseas after his experience with Arsenal.

The Gunners are likely to bring in a replacement very soon with the summer transfer window just a few months away.

They need a technical director capable of overseeing the academy recruitment and contracts like Ellis, and promotion could take place from within.

Arsenal have been strengthening their youth ranks in recent months as they prepare for the future, and they will look to keep luring some of the best youngsters in the United Kingdom to Hale End.