By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

20th Oct, 2023 | 8:09am

Sources: Phil Cowen agrees to join Arsenal after telling Rangers he is leaving

Phil Cowen has handed his notice in at Rangers after agreeing to join Arsenal, sources have told Football Insider.

The Ibrox head of talent ID has decided to quit his role after two years in the post to head to the Premier League giants.

It is believed that Cowen has informed Rangers of his decision after accepting an offer from Arsenal to head their academy scouting department.

He has extensive experience in that field after cutting his teeth working for Rangers In The Community as an academy executive and scout for 15 years.

The Ibrox club have been producing top academy talents for a number of years, the likes of Leon King – who has enjoyed spells in the first team in previous seasons.

Alex Lowry, who has also been utilised in the first team at Ibrox, is spending the current campaign on loan with Hearts and has been impressing coaches and fans with his performances.

20-year-old Ross McCausland is set to be handed a new contract to keep him at the club beyond the summer of 2024 after impressing in recent performances for the first team.

The recruitment at senior level has not been as successful in recent seasons and this summer the Gers lost several prized assets – including Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent – for nothing following the expiration of their contracts.

Rangers lost director of football Ross Wilson who joined Nottingham Forest last season and are yet to replace the senior man.

It was up to former manager Michael Beale to lead the summer transfer process and signed nine players who many fans would argue have not been good enough.

In other news, Michael Beale exit could help Rangers land jackpot.