Chelsea chasing Arsenal chief scout Steve Rowley to replace Frank Arnesen as sporting director – report

Roman Abramovich, Chelsea (Getty Images)

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Chelsea are targeting Arsenal chief scout Steve Rowley to replace Frank Arnesen as sporting director at Stamford Bridge, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Rowley has developed a formidable reputation for identifying top young talent over many years with the Gunners and is highly respected within the scouting industry.

Blues owner Roman Abramovich has indicated he wants the club to be producing big-name stars in the future rather than simply signing them for the massive fees paid for Fernando Torres and David Luiz in January, although he is willing to bankroll considerable investment in the first team squad this summer.

The Russian is said to have offered Rowley the chance to triple his current wages and is currently pressing him for a decision as he looks to have all the important footballing positions at Chelsea, including that of manager, filled by the end of this month.

The position of sporting director has been left vacant by Arnesen’s decision to depart for German side Hamburg this summer.

The Dutchman made several improvements on the Blues’ youth system during his six-year stint in west London but failed in his main objective to bring an academy player into the first team, although there are high hopes that the likes of Josh McEachran and Patrick Van Aanholt could eventually fulfil this aim.