Per Mertesacker has helped some of the most exciting young players in Europe cement places in Mikel Arteta's squad
16:00, 12 Jan 2026
Per Mertesacker looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Arsenal FC and FC Shakhtar Donetsk at Emirates Stadium on October 22, 2024 in London, England
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Per Mertesacker played a key role behind the scenes at Arsenal(Image: Photo by Ryan Crockett/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Per Mertesacker has left Mikel Arteta a generous parting gift at the Sobha Realty Training Centre. The former Arsenal defender will step down as academy manager at the end of the season after eight years in the role.
Mertesacker, who featured more than 200 times for the Gunners, was appointed at the end of the 2017/18 season, following his retirement as a player. The 41-year-old claimed it was a 'difficult decision', and he's thanked the north London outfit for the opportunity.
"Now it is time for me to move on and explore something new and push myself even further," said Mertesacker. "I remain focused on finishing the season strongly, continuing to nurture and develop our young talent and support a seamless transition until my very last day with the club."
The former Germany international, who won the FA Cup three times under Arsene Wenger, worked hard to instil the values of the club into young players. Mertesacker strived to develop 'Strong Young Gunners', which is an initiative that ensures youngsters fulfil their potential on and off the pitch.
During his spell in charge, he helped lots of exciting youngsters make their first-team debuts, foraging a pathway into the Arteta's side. So, with that being said, football.london has looked at six Hale End prospects who, one day, could become regulars for Arsenal, thanks to the German.
Marli Salmon
Salmon became the youngest player to feature for Arsenal in the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon, coming on for Gabriel Magalhaes in the final quarter of an hour. The 16-year-old defender featured at right-back, with Jurrien Timber shifting across to centre-back.
He showed great promise in possession and even made a good challenge. Having impressed in the academy, Salmon was awarded his senior debut for the Gunners in December, appearing off the bench in a 3-0 away victory against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League.
Louie Copley
Copley will be spending the remainder of the season on loan at Crawley Town. The 19-year-old midfielder was an unused substitute in the win over Club Brugge last month, so he'll be hoping to impress Arteta and make his Arsenal debut next term.
The Gunners boss has long been an admirer, including Copley in his side's pre-season tour of Asia last year. The teenager, who joined the academy in July 2019 before signing his first professional contract in June 2025, could feature against Notts County at the weekend.
Jack Porter
Porter could challenge David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga for a place between the sticks one day. The 17-year-old goalkeeper made his Arsenal debut in a Carabao Cup third-round win over Bolton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium in September 2024.
At the age of just 16 years and 72 days, he became the youngest player in the club's history to start a first-team game. The England under-19 international, however, faces strong competition from Tommy Setford, who the Gunners signed from Ajax in July 2024.
Marcell Washington
Washington made quite the impression when he trialled for the Arsenal Under-18s last season, eventually becoming a regular in the under-21s. The 18-year-old left-back was previously a left-winger during his schoolboy years at Chelsea.
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Ide Ibrahim
Ibrahim begun his career as a striker before finding his feet as a defensive midfielder. The teenager, who turns 18 later this month, featured more for Arsenal in the Under-18 Academy League South last season than any other player, starting 23 games.
Maalik Hashi
Hashi, who joined Arsenal in December 2022, has been a regular for Arsenal in the Under-18 Premier League this season, starting eight of 11 matches. The 17-year-old attacking midfielder made his debut for the under-21s last season, coming on as a substitute against Fulham.
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