Per Mertesacker is set to depart from his role as Arsenal’s Academy Manager at the conclusion of the current season. This decision marks the end of an impactful eight-year period during which he guided the club’s youth development program.
Achievements and Impact at Arsenal
The former German international and World Cup champion took charge of Arsenal’s men’s Academy in 2018. Transitioning directly from a player to this leadership role, Mertesacker aimed to develop “Strong Young Gunners.” Under his guidance, the Academy produced several talents who moved on to the first team, including:
- Max Dowman
- Marli Salmon
- Myles Lewis-Skelly
- Ethan Nwaneri
Many other players have successfully embarked on careers elsewhere, illustrating the robust framework Mertesacker established. His philosophy focused on creating “better people to make better players,” emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and values for young athletes at Arsenal.
Mertesacker’s Departure Announcement
In a heartfelt statement, Mertesacker revealed that his decision to leave was challenging. “Arsenal is and will always be a very special club to me, so this was a difficult decision,” he expressed. He acknowledged the trust the club placed in him during his transition from player to Head of Academy.
Despite his impending departure, Mertesacker remained dedicated to nurturing young talent. “I remain focused on continuing to develop our young talent and support a seamless transition until my very last day with the club,” he noted.
Future Plans for Arsenal Academy
Arsenal’s Chief Executive Officer Richard Garlick commended Mertesacker’s contributions. He emphasized the need for succession planning to ensure the Academy’s future aligns with the club’s long-term investment strategy.
“We support Per’s decision to pursue something new, but we will be incredibly sad to see him leave,” Garlick stated, acknowledging Mertesacker’s deep understanding of Arsenal’s values. He praised Mertesacker for inspiring Academy coaches, staff, and young players during his tenure.
As Arsenal prepares for the next chapter, the focus remains steadfast on continued Academy investment and aspirations for achieving major trophies.
