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 the past.

Meanwhile, in another development,

West Ham United confirmed that defender Axel Disasi is returning to parent club Chelsea after the conclusion of his six-month loan deal at the London Stadium.

Disasi will now hope for a fresh start at Chelsea under new manager Xabi Alonso.

The 27-year-old made 17 appearances in the Premier League and FA Cup, scoring against Leeds in the sixth round.