Arsenal - Mehmet Ali
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal Under-21 head coach Mehmet Ali has left the club to join Brentford’s first-team coaching setup, according to a report from The Athletic’s James McNicholas. The move marks a major step in Ali’s coaching career, transitioning from youth development to the senior level in the Premier League.
Ali, who joined Arsenal from Reading in January 2022, has been instrumental in shaping the club’s academy over the past two and a half years. Appointed U21 head coach in July 2022, he has overseen the development of several of the club’s brightest prospects, including Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and 15-year-old Marli Salmon, who recently made headlines with a standout performance in a Premier League 2 win over Middlesbrough.
During his time at Hale End, Ali earned widespread praise for his attention to detail, tactical acumen, and his ability to build strong relationships with players and staff. Arsenal academy manager Per Mertesacker and head of academy coaching Luke Hobbs were among those who publicly praised his influence.
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Ali was also involved in integrating youth players into first-team environments. Earlier this year, he accompanied Arsenal’s senior squad to their Dubai training camp, helping ease the transition for academy talents like Max Dowman and Jack Porter.
Arsenal - Mehmet Ali
Mehmet Ali (Image credit: Getty Images)
At Brentford, Ali will work under assistant head coach Keith Andrews as part of an evolving coaching structure at the club, which continues to build on its reputation for innovation and data-driven performance. The Bees recently secured another season of Premier League football and are reshaping their backroom team to match their ambitions.
His appointment is the latest in a series of staff movements between the two clubs. Notably, Brentford’s goalkeeping coach Inaki Caña Pavon also made the switch from Arsenal in 2019 before eventually returning to north London.
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Arsenal confirmed Ali’s departure in an official statement, saying: “We thank Mehmet for his dedication and significant impact on our young players. His work has been instrumental in developing the next generation of Gunners, and we wish him the very best in his new role at Brentford.”
While a permanent successor has not yet been named, Ali’s assistant Max Porter is expected to take interim charge of the U21 side. The club may also consider internal candidates such as current U18 coach and former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere.
Ali’s departure comes at a time of ongoing movement between the two clubs. Brentford are finalising the sale of their captain Christian Nørgaard to Arsenal in a deal worth up to £15 million, a transfer that further underscores the growing connection between the sides.
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