Per Mertesacker to leave Arsenal as club issue ‘incredibly sad’ statement

Former Arsenal player turned coach Per Mertesacker will step down as the club's academy manager at the end of the season after spending eight years in the role

Arsenal have confirmed that Per Mertesacker will step down as the club's academy manager at the end of the season following eight years in the role.

The former German international has overseen the club's academy since 2018, aiding a number of young players who have gone on to make their mark in the first team.

The academy in north London has been the breeding ground for a number of top players with teenager star Max Dowman attracting huge attention since pre-season as he looks a star of the future.

More established players like Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have also come through the academy over recent years and made significant contributions for Mikel Arteta's side.

The former player said: “Arsenal is and will always be a very special club to me, so this was a difficult decision. I am very thankful for the trust the club put in me when transitioning from a first-team player directly into the role as Head of Academy. Now it is time for me to move on and explore something new and push myself even further.

“I remain focused on finishing the season strongly, continuing to nurture and develop our young talent and support a seamless transition until my very last day with the club."

Mertesacker joined Arsenal in 2011, signing from Werder Bremen, and would play for the club across the next seven years. In that time he made 221 appearances and was crucial in their three FA Cups win. His CV also boasts more than a century of caps for his country.

CEO Richard Garlick added: “We support Per’s decision to pursue something new, but we will be incredibly sad to see him leave at the end of the season.

“We were fortunate to have retained Per as Academy Manager once he finished his playing career with us in 2018. He understands what Arsenal stands for and this has been a constant in his leadership - inspiring our Academy coaches, staff and young players in an Arsenal way and giving so many an opportunity to develop and shine.

“We’re happy that Per remains in role until the end of the season whilst we focus on our succession plan. We continue in our pursuit of winning major trophies with a sustained focus and investment in our Academy.”

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