Per Mertesacker will leave his role as Arsenal’s Academy Manager at the end of the season, bringing to a close an eight-year chapter shaping the club’s next generation.
The former Germany international, a World Cup winner, has overseen Arsenal’s men’s Academy since 2018, transitioning straight from his playing career into a leadership role with a clear mantra: to develop “Strong Young Gunners”.
Under Mertesacker’s stewardship, the Academy has produced players such as Max Dowman, Marli Salmon, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri who have progressed into Arsenal’s first team and many others have forged successful careers elsewhere .
Central to Mertesacker’s approach has been his belief in “better people making better players”, a philosophy designed to ensure young footballers understand both the responsibility and values that come with representing Arsenal.
Confirming his decision, Mertesacker admitted the move was not an easy one.
“Arsenal is and will always be a very special club to me, so this was a difficult decision,” he said. “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.”
Despite the announcement, Mertesacker stressed his commitment to finishing the season strongly. He added: “I remain focused on continuing to nurture and develop our young talent and support a seamless transition until my very last day with the club.”
Arsenal’s Chief Executive Officer Richard Garlick praised Mertesacker’s impact, while confirming the club will begin succession planning.
“We support Per’s decision to pursue something new, but we will be incredibly sad to see him leave,” Garlick said. “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.”
Garlick added that Mertesacker will remain in post until the end of the season, as Arsenal continue their long-term focus on Academy investment alongside ambitions for major trophies.
