Former Arsenal and Germany defender Per Mertesacker has revealed that he will step down as Head of Arsenal’s Academy at the conclusion of the season.
On Monday, Fabrizio Romano’s X handle reported Mertesacker saying, “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.”
Since assuming leadership of the academy, Mertesacker has played a key role in nurturing young talents, contributing significantly to Arsenal’s pipeline of players for the first team.
Although the club has not yet announced his successor, Mertesacker’s exit signifies the close of an important chapter in Arsenal’s youth development programme.
Mertesacker joined Arsenal in 2011 from Werder Bremen and quickly established himself as a central figure in defence. The tall, commanding centre-back was recognized for his aerial prowess, game reading, and composure on the ball, making him a dependable presence at the back.
Over his playing career at Arsenal, Mertesacker made more than 170 Premier League appearances and scored 9 goals, many of them crucial headers from set-pieces. He claimed three FA Cups (2013–14, 2014–15, 2016–17) and three FA Community Shields (2014, 2015, 2017), often captaining the side and mentoring younger teammates.
After retiring in 2018, Mertesacker immediately joined Arsenal’s coaching staff. He later became Head of the Academy, overseeing the growth of young players and facilitating the integration of promising talents into the first team.