Mikel Arteta has paid tribute to outgoing Academy Manager Per Mertesacker, who plans to [draw a line under 15 years at the club in the summer.](https://arseblog.news/2026/01/per-mertesacker-to-step-down-as-academy-manager/)
The two men joined Arsenal on the same day in 2011 – part of an infamous Arsène Wenger trolley dash on transfer deadline day – bringing experience and know-how to a young squad reeling from an 8-2 hammering at Old Trafford.
While the final years of the Frenchman’s time at the club were anything but plain sailing, the duo helped end a nine-year trophy drought with success in the 2014 FA Cup before repeating the feat a year later.
They were reunited in 2019 when Arteta returned to the club as head coach after a three-year spell with Manchester City to work with Mertesacker, who had taken over the reins at the Academy after hanging up his boots.
It remains to be seen what Mertesacker does next, although the German won’t be short of suitors after his work overseeing an academy recognised across the world for nurturing top-class young talent.
“It’s been 15 years at the club,” reflected Arteta on Tuesday.
“We were teammates, we were friends, we were captains together, and then we shared this incredible project together in a different role — him as an academy director, and me as a manager. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.
“He’s someone that transmits the values of this football club, its ambition, and everything that is related to it in the best manner.
“We’re very thankful. We had a great time together, and for sure, as well, he’s made that decision, and I’m wishing him the best of luck for the next one, next chapter, because I’m sure it’s going to be a success.”
Arteta’s decision to join Pep Guardiola at Manchester City played a fundamental role in prompting Arsene Wenger and then CEO Ivan Gazidis to take the unusual step of handing Per Mertesacker the keys to the Academy before he had even announced his retirement. Spotting potential in the German and keen not to lose him to a rival, they acted decisively, even if it meant he would have to learn on the job – ultimately without their guidance, as both men departed soon after.
Mertesacker’s enduring legacy will be the ‘Strong Young Gunners’ philosophy: a holistic approach to development that places as much emphasis on character, leadership and personal growth as on technical ability. Alongside that sits a production line of talent – including Bukayo Saka, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman – that could yet help Arsenal end a 22-year wait for a Premier League title.
His departure will mark the end of an era at Hale End, but it also presents an opportunity for fresh leadership and new ideas to build on a foundation that is widely admired across the game.