Mikel Arteta Bolsters Arsenal Coaching Staff with Ex-Liverpool Target Gabriel Heinze

Mikel Arteta has secured a major addition to his Arsenal coaching team with the appointment of former Manchester United and Real Madrid defender Gabriel Heinze as first-team assistant coach. The Argentinian, 47, joined on July 8, 2025, filling the vacancy left by Carlos Cuesta, who departed for Parma on June 19.[2][1]

Heinze, who previously coached Newell's Old Boys, reunites with Arteta after playing together at Paris Saint-Germain in the 2001-02 season. This shared history, combined with Heinze's defensive expertise from stints at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and PSG, makes him a strategic fit for Arsenal's dugout.[1][2]

Arteta's revamped staff for the 2025/26 season reflects a blend of loyalty and fresh talent. Core members include:

• Assistant Manager: Albert Stuivenberg – Dutch coach since December 2019, previously with Wales national team.[1]
• Assistant Coach: Miguel Molina – Joined from Atletico Madrid in August 2020; key in their 2017/18 Europa League win.[1]
• Set-Piece Coach: Nicolas Jover – Poached from Manchester City in July 2021, enhancing Arsenal's dead-ball prowess.[1][2]

The move comes amid Arsenal's strong campaign, sitting 5th in the Premier League with 33 points from 21 games (10 wins, 3 draws, 8 losses; +7 goal difference) and qualifying for Europa League.[2] Academy updates include Mehmet Ali's exit to Brentford in July 2025, replaced permanently by Max Porter in August, with Ken Gillard as assistant.[2]

Arteta, manager since 2019 (upgraded from head coach in 2020), emphasizes relationships over titles, drawing contrasts to recent Chelsea and Manchester United sackings of Enzo Maresca and Ruben Amorim over power struggles.[3] This hire signals Arteta's push for tactical evolution amid his "biggest conundrum" yet, per analysts, as Arsenal chase silverware.[4]

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