Per Mertesacker To Step Down As Arsenal Head Of Academy
Sports Updated: 12 January 2026 14:19 EAT
Per Martesacker and former Arsenal midfielder Torreira
Per Mertesacker will step down as Arsenal’s Head of Academy at the end of the current season, the club has confirmed. The former Germany international will conclude a role he has held since transitioning directly from first-team football into academy leadership.
Mertesacker described the decision as a difficult one, underlining his strong emotional connection to the North London club where he enjoyed a successful playing career. He acknowledged the trust Arsenal placed in him when he moved straight into a senior development role after retiring.
“Arsenal is and will always be a very special club to me, so this was a difficult decision,” Mertesacker 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.”
The 39-year-old explained that the move is motivated by a desire for personal and professional growth beyond his current position at Hale End, where he has overseen Arsenal’s youth development pathway.
“Now it is time for me to move on and explore something new and push myself even further,” he added.
Despite the announcement, Mertesacker stressed that his focus remains firmly on his current responsibilities, including the development of young players and ensuring stability during the transition period.
“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’s tenure has been closely associated with Arsenal’s renewed emphasis on youth, with several academy graduates establishing themselves in the first team. The club has not yet announced who will succeed him, with further updates expected in the coming months.
Tags: Signsmedia Arsenal Fc Sports Journalism
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