Arsenal Football Club have confirmed the exit of their academy manager Per Mertesacker after spending eight years at the Gunners academy.
The former Germany international confirmed that this was the right time to leave the club as he pursues a new challenge away from north London. Mertesacker has held the role since retiring as a player in 2018 and has been a central figure in shaping the modern identity of Arsenal’s academy.
Arsenal confirmed on its official website on Monday, January 12, 2026, that Mertesacker will remain in position until the end of the campaign. He joined Arsenal as a player in December 2011 and went on to win three FA Cups, leaving his mark as a respected leader during a period of transition at the club.
He moved directly into academy management after retiring, briefly assisting interim head coach Freddie Ljungberg before Mikel Arteta’s appointment later in 2019.
Mertesacker will be remembered for his ability to bring in several high-profile players progressed through the system during his time, including Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
The recemt names on the list are Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have emerged as symbols of the next generation shaped under his leadership. The exit of the German will be a huge blow to Arsenal’s academy.