Arsenal have reportedly brought forward plans to appoint a new director of football in an attempt to salvage their campaign.

The Gunners suffered an embarrassing 1-0 loss to Belarusian minnows BATE in the Europa League in midweek and have struggled for form in the Premier League, leaving their top-four hopes in the balance.

Arsenal were expected to bring in a new transfer chief ahead of next season, with Roma sporting director Monchi and former player Marc Overmars, now employed by Ajax, both in the frame.

According to The Sun, however, the North London outfit have made recruiting a director an urgent priority as they feel it will help to stabilise the club in the short term and allow the successful candidate to plan ahead of a busy off-season.

Talks are said to be planned with Overmars and Monchi in the coming weeks and Arsenal are hopeful of having someone in place before the transfer window reopens for business.

Sven Mislintat was tasked with lining up new signings, but the head of recruitment left the club earlier this month, while chief executive Ivan Gazidis has also moved to AC Milan.