Arsenal Academy Director Per Mertesacker with Jakai Fisher before a pre-season friendly match between Hendon and Arsenal U18 at Silver Jubilee Park. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal have confirmed that Per Mertesacker will be leaving the club in the summer.
The former defender has been the Gunners’ academy manager since 2018 but will relinquish the role at the end of the season.
“Arsenal is and will always be a very special club to me, so this was a difficult decision,” Mertesacker told Arsenal’s official website.
“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.”
Richard Garlick, Arsenal’s Chief Executive Officer said: “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.”