Former Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze is joining Mikel Arteta’s coaching staff at Arsenal, according to The Athletic. 

The Gunners have appointed the 47-year-old to replace Carlos Cuesta, who left the Emirates Stadium to become Parma’s new head coach. 

Arteta knows Heinze very well from their time together at Paris Saint-Germain in 2001-02, and the two are now set to be reunited after 23 years in North London. 

The former Argentina international will join assistant manager Albert Stuivenberg, set-piece coach Nico Jover and goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana at Arsenal. 

Heinze enjoyed a decorated career as a defender, playing for some of the biggest clubs in England, Spain and France. 

He made 83 appearances for Sir Alex Ferguson’s United, helping them win the Premier League title in 2006-07. 

The Argentine also lifted domestic titles with Real Madrid, Marseille, PSG and Newell’s Old Boys during his 18 years playing career. 

Since retiring in 2014, Heinze has held managerial roles at Godoy Cruz, Atlanta United and Newell’s Old Boys. 

His reign at Godoy Cruz lasted for a few months only, with the 47-year-old sacked after two wins, two draws and six defeats. 

Heinze’s next coaching role at Atlanta also proved to be a short one, as he was dismissed after winning four of his 17 matches in charge. 

His most recent managerial stint at Newell’s ended in November 2023, where he boasted a 36.0 win percentage.