Arsenal are determined to keep hold of chief exec Ivan Gazidis.
The London Evening Standard says the Gunners are urging Gazidis to resist overtures from AC Milan and guide the restructured club in the post-Arsene Wenger era.
Although majority shareholder Stan Kroenke has the final say on big decisions, the significant overhaul that has taken place in the past year is seen as Gazidis's brainchild.
The process of transitioning away from the authority Arsene Wenger enjoyed to a more continental structure, where power and responsibility is divided, began towards the end of the Frenchman's tenure, leading to widely reported friction between him and Gazidis.
Josh Kroenke, Stan's son and a fellow director, has taken more of an interest in the club's affairs as he spends more time in London but Gazidis is hugely respected internally despite facing criticism from supporters in recent seasons, often relating to Arsenal's transfer business, Wenger's shortcomings or his own financial remuneration.