Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund today authorised Sven Mislintat, its Head of Professional Football, to complete a switch to English Premier League side Arsenal with immediate effect.

"For ten years, Sven Mislintat has been one of my closest colleagues. There's been a very close trusting relationship between us. He's done outstanding work at BVB. We took this into account several weeks ago when Sven informed me of his desire to accept Arsenal's extraordinary offer. We didn't want to deny him this opportunity," said Sporting Director Michael Zorc.

"Sven Mislintat for many years spearheaded a team of excellent workers in equally excellent fashion, initially as Chief Scout and most recently as Head of Professional Football. I'd like to thank him – personally too – for his outstanding work. Everyone at BVB would like to wish Sven Mislintat all the very best for his future," declared Chief Executive Officer Hans-Joachim Watzke. 

"I'd like to thank my bosses. Aki Watzke and Michael Zorc have stood behind me during all these years. They got me on board when the task arose of organising the BVB scouting department in such a way that it would always operate at a high level regardless of individuals. That was very important for me," said Mislintat, adding: "I was born and grew up here, have worked for the club since 2006 and am a Black and Yellow through and through. And I will always remain so!"

Borussia Dortmund announced the restructuring of its scouting team, to be headed by Markus Pilawa, several weeks ago.