Arsenal have announced that their three-time FA Cup winner and current Academy Manager is set to step down from his role at the end of the season.
In the wake of a humiliating 8-2 defeat at Old Trafford in August 2011, Per Mertesacker arrived in North London on transfer deadline day in a deal worth £8 million. Per was one of five players signed on the day, alongside Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, during the club’s infamous ‘trolley dash.’
The towering German centre-back went on to play 221 times for the club, starring in each of the 2014, 2015 and 2017 FA Cup victories.
Following his retirement at the end of the 2017/18 season, Mertesacker became the club’s Academy Manager, overseeing the development of various young players who have since made their way into the first-team setup.
Mertesacker exit serves as an unwelcome surprise amid recent success
Over the course of eight years, Per remained committed to advancing his vision of producing ‘Strong Young Gunners.’
That is to say, those ‘young players who have gone on to make their mark with our own men’s first team, pursued successful careers at other clubs or followed different paths to fulfil their potential with an excellent grounding and education.’
In recent years, the impact of this philosophy has been readily apparent, with many starlets going on to achieve success, both in North London and beyond.
The current Arsenal squad features several prominent Hale End graduates who have flourished under Mertesacker’s leadership. Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and now Max Dowman have all transitioned to significant first team involvement – a glowing endorsement of Hale End’s capacity to future-proof the club.
Having been club captain towards the end of his playing career, Mertesacker knows what it means to play for Arsenal and has been firm in his belief that the academy should instil the club’s core values in young players.
Speaking about his decision to step down, Per said:
“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 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.”
Hale End continues to thrive amid uncertain future
Arsenal’s Chief Executive Officer, Richard Garlick paid tribute to Mertesacker’s time at the club, stating:
“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.”
“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.”
With the departure of such an instrumental figure looming, the future of Arsenal’s academy operation and direction remains up in the air for the time being.
Garlick has also indicated that the club will be actively working towards securing stability and renewed vitality for the academy in the future.
“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.”
Such is the strength of Arsenal’s position as a club on and off the field, it is likely that whatever direction the academy now takes, will be one of innovation and improvement whilst continuing Mertesacker’s holistic approach to youth development.