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Maurizio Micheli (left) is in his second spell at Napoli Arsenal are in advanced talks over appointing Napoli head of scouting Maurizio Micheli into a leading recruitment position. In what would be viewed as a significant coup for the London club, Micheli - who has been credited with the identification of players such as Marek Hamsik, Kim Min-jae and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia - is said to be finalising a move to Emirates Stadium. The Premier League club have undergone a period of internal change over the previous 12 months following the departures of sporting director Edu and his number two Jason Ayto. Andrea Berta was appointed the club's sporting director in April and is playing a key role in shaping the club's recruitment department. And Berta is understood to have identified Micheli, 57, as a key appointment to his team, with discussions already believed to be underway. The Italian has held numerous scouting roles across Serie A, including positions at Bologna and Brescia. He originally joined Napoli in 2010 in the position as chief scout but left for the head of scouting role at Hellas Verona in 2015. Micheli eventually returned to Naples in 2018 in his current role. It is remains to be seen how far Micheli's remit would stretch if he is appointed at Arsenal. Long-serving executive James Ellis was promoted into the position of technical director - player recruitment earlier this year. Micheli has developed a reputation as one of Italian football's leading talent-spotters in recent years. In addition to Hamsik, Kim and Kvaratskhelia, the transfer specialist has also been credited with unearthing former Ghana internationals Sulley Muntari and Asamoah Gyan among others during his time working for Udinese. Women's Champions League: Kerr scores twice as Chelsea hit six at St Polten - reaction Reinventing Football - five things fans would change Webb backs officials over disallowed Liverpool goal Mark Bonnar can't trust anyone in this twist-filled thriller How can young people thrive without leaning on family wealth? The engrossing biopic of a Hollywood icon's early years Inside one of history's most notorious broadcasts Reinventing Football - five things fans would change 'Sea legs meant I couldn't bowl' - when England travelled to Australia by boat Reinventing Football - what do we do with handball, penalties and VAR? In Pictures: Sporting photos of the week Eagles secure narrow win over Packers. Video Eagles secure narrow win over Packers What would pundits change about football? Video What would pundits change about football? 'I just want a dad' - how the Eubanks saved their relationship Piastri's penalty and Hamilton's future - F1 Q&A DP World Tour needs European support - Mc Ilroy Wane's future under review, says RFL boss Why Rybakina refused photo with WTA chief Archer Hoardings, showers & pink dressing rooms - the 'creative' ways clubs get an edge The final frontier: Why has Root never made a century down under? Who has made Troy's Premier League team of the week? Can you name every player dismissed by Flintoff in an Ashes Test? 'Man City make ominous statement in brutal lesson for Liverpool' 'Champion's weekend from flawless Norris but Verstappen shines brightest' Valuable lessons and tough losses - world number one Sabalenka's 2025 Watched by 132, 418 fans - but will Rugby League Ashes stay? Baffling? Distracting? The fallout from Earps' book Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.