EXCLUSIVE: Knapper promoted to Arsenal's first Loans Manager
Knapper joined Arsenal in 2010
Written by Simon Austin — January 7, 2019
LEAD analyst Ben Knapper has been promoted to the new role of Loans Manager by Arsenal.
This position has become increasingly prevalent in the Premier League in recent seasons due to the number of players that clubs have out on loan.
Chelsea, who currently have 39 players out on loan, actually have TWO loan bosses - former players Tore Andre Flo and Paulo Ferreira.
Arsenal have a more modest seven out on loan at the moment - David Ospina (Napoli), Reiss Nelson (Hoffenheim), Kelechi Nwakali (Porto B), Calum Chambers (Fulham), Matt Macey (Plymouth), Takuma Asano (Hannover 96) and Krystian Bielik (Charlton).
Knapper will oversee the process for deciding which players should go out on loan and where; and will then monitoring how they are doing once away from the club. He will work closely with manager Unai Emery, Head of Football Relations Raul Sanllehi and Academy Manager Per Mertesacker.
Knapper joined Arsenal from Prozone in July 2010 and was promoted to Lead Football Analyst in July 2015. The Gunners are currently advertising for his replacement in his former role, with applications required to be in by Wednesday.
Julian Ward, Liverpool’s Loan Pathways and Football Partnerships Manager, gave an in-depth insight into the role HERE.
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