Arsenal eye up England U18s boss Kevin Betsy to replace Steve Bould in their U23s setup

England are facing a fight to prevent another highly-rated coach from leaving with Arsenal targeting Under 18s boss Kevin Betsy.

Having recently lost Under 19s head coach Justin Cochrane to Manchester United, the Football Association are now set to lose another highly-regarded coach with Betsy firmly on the Gunners radar.

The Emirates Stadium club have identified Betsy as a prime candidate to replace Steve Bould, who has left his position as Under 23s coach.

Arsenal are committed to completing a full recruitment process and have advertised the position, with the closing date for applications this Thursday.

All applicants must be in possession of the UEFA A licence.

But Betsy has already been pinpointed as someone Arsenal believe can fill the role vacated by Bould.

The Gunners’ academy is undergoing a revamp under academy director Per Mertesacker, Under 15s coach Dan Micciche’s promotion to U18’s head coach among the changes that have taken place.

Arsenal believe Betsy can fill the role vacated by Bould (pictured), who left his position

The FA will want to keep hold of Betsy as they look to stem the steady flow of coaches leaving for club football 0 but the lure of a move to Arsenal will be tempting.

Meanwhile, Lee Carsley is emerging as a strong candidate for the vacant England Under 21s job.

Cochrane was understood to be one of the front runners for the position, but his move to United has paved the way for Carsley to be promoted from his position as Under 20s head coach.

The FA recently lost Under-19s head coach Justin Cochrane to Manchester United