(Photos) SCOUT OF HERE Arsenal ‘sack top scout Francis Cagigao’ – who discovered Fabregas, Martinelli and Bellerin – amid Covid-19 cost-cutting

ARSENAL have reportedly SACKED the man responsible for disocvering the likes of Hector Bellerin, Gabriel Martinelli and Cesc Fabregas.

It was announced on Wednesday that the London club are set to make 55 staff redundant as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Famed global scout Francis Cagigao has reportedly lost his job at Arsenal

And according to Mail Online, one of the casualties of the cost-cutting is famed global scout Francis Cagigao.

The 51-year-old has been with the Gunners for over a decade, and helped the club unearth some real gems along the way.

Cagagio was responsible for bringing Fabregas in from the Barcelona academy as a 15-year-old in 2003.

He also scouted Bellerin from the Catalans before Arsenal made their move in the summer of 2011.

Francis Cagagio was influential in the club signing Cesc FabregasCredit: Rex Features

Arsenal’s popular full-back Bellerin was doscovered by Cagagio

And more recently he was influential in the club signing Martinelli from little-known Brazilian side Ituano.

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Fellow scouts Peter Clark and former Reading boss Brian McDermott are also understood to be at risk of losing their jobs.

In the club statement, Arsenal insisted it had to ensure the Gunners emerged “in a robust and strong position for the future” after the coronavirus crisis.

Arsenal added: “Our main sources of income have all reduced significantly.

“Revenue from broadcasters, matchday and commercial activities have all been hit severely and these impacts will continue into at least the forthcoming season.”

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