There’s been another behind-the-scenes shake-up at Arsenal as the Premier League champions’ summer of departures continues.Head of sports science and performance Tom Allen is set to leave the Gunners after almost a decade with the club.Arteta looks set to be greeted by some new faces off the pitch this pre-seasonGettyA double departureHaving joined the club in 2017, Allen took on the role in 2022, working alongside Mikel Arteta for six-and-a-half years.News of Allen’s exit follows the departure of another notable member of backroom staff, head of medical Dr Zafar Iqbal.Arsenal ended their 22-year wait for a Premier League title last season but suffered numerous injuries to key players along the way, including Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Odegaard.It seems, then, that the Gunners are looking to go in a different direction in order to avoid a repeat next term.On the pitch, Arsenal have begun their summer business by making Piero Hincapie’s loan move from Bayer Leverkusen permanent in a £34.5m deal.The Ecuador left-back played a starring role in the Gunners’ 2025/26 success, making 39 appearances in all competitions.Arsenal have also been linked with a number of star names from the Premier League and beyond as they look to strengthen their squad to mount a defence of their title.Newcastle and Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes is a top target, with Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott also on their radar.France forward Bradley Barcola has also been touted for a switch to the Emirates Stadium, having been on the PSG side that beat Arsenal on penalties in last month’s Champions League final.However, Arsenal have also made Aston Villa and England forward Morgan Rogers a leading target this summer. Arsenal need to ‘show ambition’Speaking in the aftermath of that painful defeat, Arteta stressed the need for the Gunners to go all out in their preparations for next season.Allen leaves Arsenal after nine years at the clubGettyGabriel missed the crucial penalty in the shootout as Arsenal lost the Champions League final to PSGGetty“We [will] start to make some very important decisions if we want to reach another level,” he said.“And we’re going to have to show that ambition because we are more than capable of doing it, but it’s going to demand to be very, very ambitious, very fast and very smart.”Arsenal will begin their Premier League title defence in the opening match of the 2026/27 campaign at home to newly promoted Coventry City on Friday, August 21.That game comes five days after Arteta’s men face FA Cup winners Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley.Arteta’s Arsenal contract expires at the end of next season, and the club’s owners are confident he’ll extend his stay in North London.Having become the first former Premier League player to manage a team to the title, Arteta was named Premier League Manager of the Season for 2025/26.