Executive Transactions

Arsenal appointed Barcelona's outgoing director of football, RAUL SANLLEHI, as its head of football relations. Sanllehi's contract with Barcelona expires on Friday, and he will move to Arsenal to "take up his new role in February." The club announced Sanllehi would "lead future player negotiations" alongside Manager ARSÈNE WENGER, CEO IVAN GAZIDIS and contract negotiator HUSS FAHMY as well as "represent and support the club with international and domestic governing bodies" (ESPN.com, 11/28).

COACHES/MANAGERS: Liga MX side Cruz Azul announced Manager PACO JÉMEZ departed after one year in charge (GOAL, 11/27). ... World Cup-bound Saudi Arabia appointed JUAN ANTONIO PIZZI as head coach of the national team. Pizzi led Chile to the 2016 Copa América title -- the first in the country's history -- but "resigned in October after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup." The Saudi Arabia Football Federation announced the signing on Tuesday, "just a week after dismissing" EDGARDO BAUZA (ESPN.com, 11/28).