Aston Villa have appointed former Arsenal man Hendrik Almstadt as their new sporting director.

The club have never had someone in the role before, but have now decided to create the position, with 40-year-old Almstadt getting the nod.

The German spent the last four years working on technical scouting, data analytics, financial budgeting and contract management, the academy and athletic development at Arsenal, during which time he also worked with current Villa chief executive Tom Fox.

"I'm really pleased to welcome Hendrik to Aston Villa. I was able to see first hand the excellent work he did at Arsenal and he will add tremendous value across our entire football set-up," Fox told the club's official site.

Almstadt, who will join up with his new club at the start of next week, added: "I can't wait to start my new role at Aston Villa. It is a club with huge potential, a rich history and deep roots in Birmingham, the Midlands, and within English and European football.

"I look forward to working again with Tom Fox and to establish a close relationship with the manager, Tim Sherwood."

Villa begin the new Premier League season away to newly-promoted Bournemouth on August 8.