Former Charlton chief executive Peter Varney has emerged as favourite to take up the same role as Keith Edelman's successor at Arsenal. The Emirates club have been without a chief executive since Mr Edelman left in May.

"I have no comment to make," said Mr Varney, speaking from his Kent home. Asked if he had been approached by Arsenal, Mr Varney added: "I am involved in a number of Charlton projects which take me up until Christmas.

"So let's see what happens in the New Year."

Mr Varney, 55, stood down as Charlton's chief executive at the end of June, citing personal reasons. He had been at The Valley for 11 years during which time he established himself among football's top administrators.