Key figure who will oversee transfers begins new role at Arsenal

James King has begun his new role as Arsenal’s Director of Football Operations.

The lawyer returns to the Gunners where he previously served in senior roles from 2016 to 2022, before joining the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) as General Counsel.

At the PFA, King played a key role in the union’s modernisation efforts, joining during a period of significant reform to its governance and leadership structures. His appointment followed a ‘rigorous, independent recruitment process’, and he worked closely with senior figures such as former Manchester United chief operating officer Patrick Coyle.

King initially joined Arsenal in 2016 as part of the club’s legal team, supporting its commercial operations. In 2018, he moved to the Football Operations side. By 2020, he was promoted to Senior Legal Counsel, heading the Football Operations legal team. He also represented Arsenal on The FA’s Legal & Governance Group for Women’s Football.

Before his time at Arsenal, King was a Managing Associate at law firm Mishcon de Reya, where he specialised in employment and sports law. In that role, he represented both domestic and international players across men’s and women’s football, further establishing his reputation as a skilled legal and operational professional in the sport.

LondonWorld understands King will oversee a broad spectrum of football operations, including player recruitment, transfers and contract negotiations. He succeeds Richard Garlick, who was promoted to Arsenal Managing Director earlier this year.

King’s return is seen as a significant move for the club and he is highly respected among his peers in the industry.