Former Arsenal academy coach Ali Chahali has joined Tottenham Hotspur after being appointed as the club’s new Pre-Academy Lead Coach.
Chahali confirmed the news on social media, describing the opportunity as a “privilege” and revealing that he is returning to the club he supported as a child.
“It’s a privilege to join the club I’ve supported since a kid, as the Pre-Academy Lead Coach.”
The appointment comes just weeks after Chahali announced his departure from Arsenal following three seasons at Hale End.
In an emotional farewell message to Arsenal, Chahali thanked the coaches, players, families and staff he had worked alongside, writing:
“After 3 unforgettable seasons at Arsenal, the time has come for me to move on to a new challenge.”
He also paid tribute to everyone at Hale End who had helped him during his time with the club, thanking the academy staff for making him feel welcome from his first day.
Chahali has built a strong reputation in youth football through his work at Arsenal and as the founder of Pro Elite Football Academy, where he has helped develop a number of promising young players.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
His move sees him cross the north London divide to take up an important position within Tottenham’s academy structure, where he will oversee the development of players in the club’s youngest age groups.
The role of Pre-Academy Lead Coach is a crucial one, focusing on introducing young children to the club’s coaching philosophy before they progress into Tottenham’s formal academy system.
While supporters will naturally be disappointed to see a respected academy coach join one of Arsenal’s biggest rivals, the move also represents a significant career opportunity for Chahali as he takes on a leadership position at Spurs.
Arsenal have already moved to reshape their academy structure this summer following the departure of Per Mertesacker, appointing Pascal De Maesschalck as the club’s new Academy Director, while continuing to recruit both staff and young talent ahead of the 2026/27 season.
For Chahali, meanwhile, the next chapter of his coaching career will now begin across north London after fulfilling what he described as a childhood ambition by joining Tottenham.