Arsenal Defender Mertesacker to become Arsenal academy manager in 2018

The German defender will take on a backroom role with the Gunners when he retires from playing at the end of the season.


Arsenal have announced that Per Mertesacker will become their academy manager at the end of the 2017-18 Premier League season.

Mertesacker will continue playing for the Gunners this season, before taking on the new role next year. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is delighted that the German defender is staying at the club once he retires from playing.
“Per is an exceptional character who is a great example for young players," Wenger told the club's official website.
"He is a deep thinker about the game and committed to helping players fulfil their potential. He will be an inspirational figure for everyone connected with the academy.”