As reported by Daily Post on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, Arsenal is preparing for major changes internally as the new season approaches, with the club losing two vital staff members after a season where they aimed for top honors.
The Gunners have allegedly let go of head doctor Zafar Iqbal soon after their loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final. This decision follows a season where Arsenal dealt with numerous injuries to key first-team players.
Iqbal had been a prominent presence within the team during the season and was seen celebrating with the players when Arsenal lifted the Premier League trophy at Selhurst Park. Yet, just a few weeks later, the organization chose to terminate his employment.
The report did not clarify the specific reasons for this choice, although it occurs during a time of review and restructuring within the club ahead of the upcoming season.
In another update, Arsenal is also reportedly losing Under-21s head coach Max Porter, who has agreed to join Championship team Stoke City.
Porter is anticipated to become part of manager Mark Robins’ coaching team. His leaving will mark the end of a nine-year relationship with Arsenal, where he contributed at various levels of the club’s academy system.
Having joined the club in North London in July 2017 as a coach for the Under-9s, Porter moved up through different age groups including the Under-13s, Under-17s, and Under-19s. He was later appointed as assistant coach for the Under-21 side before taking on the head coach role last summer.
The respected coach also gained valuable experience with Arsenal’s first team, which made him a crucial part of the club’s player development framework.
Porter’s transition to Stoke brings a new obstacle as he aims to help enhance the prospects of the Championship club, which faced a tough season last year, finishing 17th in the league.
The exits of Iqbal and Porter indicate significant shifts behind the scenes at Arsenal as the club readies for another challenging season. While the focus is often on player acquisitions during the summer period, the departure of seasoned staff members might also influence the club’s preparations and long-term strategies.