In a significant development for the Premier League champions, Football London reported on Friday, July 31, 2026, that Antonio Gomez has officially commenced his duties as Arsenal’s newly appointed Head of Performance.
This move signifies a continued strategic restructuring of manager Mikel Arteta’s backroom staff as the club gears up for the demanding 2026/27 season.
The 49-year-old Spanish expert brings a wealth of experience to the Emirates Stadium, having previously served with distinction at Portuguese club Braga. His impressive resume also includes impactful tenures with prominent football institutions such as Flamengo, the Polish national team, and the illustrious FC Barcelona, underscoring his comprehensive understanding of high-performance environments across different continents and levels of the game.
Already integrated into the team’s operations, Gomez has joined the squad during their intensive warm-weather training camp situated in the picturesque region of Girona, Spain.
This strategic location is currently serving as the hub for the meticulous preparations being undertaken for the upcoming campaign, allowing Gomez to immediately assess and begin implementing his methodologies.
Expressing his profound enthusiasm for this new professional undertaking, Gomez took to Instagram to announce the commencement of his role. He shared, “I am thrilled to begin a new professional chapter as Head of Performance at Arsenal Football Club.
” He further articulated his guiding principles, stating, “I approach this challenge with the same philosophy that has guided my career: working with humility, learning every day, and contributing in every way possible to help the team and the people within it perform at their best.
” He also extended his gratitude to those who have shaped his career thus far, acknowledging, “I want to thank all the clubs, colleagues, players, and professionals with whom I have shared my journey so far. Every experience has been instrumental in reaching this moment.” He concluded with an eager outlook, noting, “A new challenge begins at one of the most important clubs in the football world.
Really looking forward to work and keep moving forward.”Gomez’s appointment is part of a broader initiative by Arsenal this summer, with Arteta actively bolstering the club’s technical and medical departments. In a related move, Arnaldo Abrantes has been welcomed from Aston Villa to assume key responsibilities, filling the void left by the departure of Dr. Zafar Iqbal.
Furthermore, Eneko Angulo has been appointed as Arsenal’s new Head of Rehabilitation, arriving from Real Betis, further strengthening the club’s commitment to player welfare and recovery.
Dr. Iqbal, an integral member of Arteta’s Premier League title-winning staff, had previously addressed the speculation surrounding his exit. He offered a candid perspective, stating, “While there has been speculation online around the reasons for my departure, the simple truth is that after the success of this season the time is right for both parties to move in a new direction.
”The Gunners are continuing their rigorous pre-season schedule in Spain, which includes an upcoming friendly match against Girona.
Following this fixture, the team is slated to travel to Dublin, Ireland, where they will face Real Betis at the Aviva Stadium, a crucial step in their comprehensive preparation for the commencement of the 2026/27 season.
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