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Per Mertesacker Leaves Arsenal Academy After Eight Years

1/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Per Mertesacker, Arsenal's Academy Manager, will leave at season's end after eight years.
Since 2018, he has developed talents including Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri.
He expressed gratitude for the club's support during his transition from player to manager and called the departure difficult.
Arsenal Chief Executive Richard Garlick acknowledged Mertesacker's contributions and the academy's values shaped under his leadership.

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Story summary

Per Mertesacker, Arsenal's Academy Manager, will leave at season's end after eight years.
Since 2018, he has developed talents including Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri.
He expressed gratitude for the club's support during his transition from player to manager and called the departure difficult.
Arsenal Chief Executive Richard Garlick acknowledged Mertesacker's contributions and the academy's values shaped under his leadership.