Chelsea have appointed Frank Arnesen to the role of sporting director at Stamford Bridge.

Arnesen has taken up his new role with immediate effect after working as chief scout and director of youth and development at the Barclays Premier League club.

"Chelsea Football Club is delighted to confirm that Frank Arnesen is to become sporting director with immediate effect," a statement from Chelsea read.

"He will continue with his roles relating to the reserves and academy but will also now take on responsibilities relating to the co-ordination of first team activity and supporting the first team manager.

"Frank will continue to report to the chief executive, Peter Kenyon.

"As Chelsea continues to grow rapidly, the board wanted increased senior support for the first team and new manager on a daily basis at Cobham to help assist the overall long-term football and business strategy of the club."

Arnesen, who joined the football club board in May, moved to Chelsea from Tottenham Hotspur in 2005 and continued to work at the club under Jose Mourinho and Luiz Felipe Scolari. Arnesen has now been tasked with working for Italian Carlo Ancelotti following the short-term contract at the club of Dutchman Guus Hiddink.