Arsenal have confirmed that defender Per Mertesacker, will become their academy manager in a year’s time.

The former Germany international, will however, continue in the first team under Arsene Wenger for the 2017/2018 campaign.

“We are delighted to announce that club captain Per Mertesacker will become our academy manager in a year’s time.

“For the coming season, he will continue as an important part of our squad while developing his knowledge and understanding of the Academy,” an official club statement said.

Manager, Arsène Wenger said:


Per added: “This is the start of an exciting new chapter for me and I am delighted that I will be able to stay part of the Arsenal family. This season I will remain fully focused on my job with the team and am looking forward to a successful last season on the pitch. After that, I look forward to the exciting challenge of helping produce young players good enough to play for the Arsenal first team.”

During the coming season, the academy will be led by Luke Hobbs, who has stepped into the role since the departure of Andries Jonker to manage Wolfsburg.


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