Arsenal have officially appointed David Horseman as their new Under-21s head coach, with the experienced coach taking charge of the club’s second-string side ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Horseman joined Arsenal in September 2025 as the club’s Professional Development Phase – Elite Player Development Coach, quickly taking on responsibilities across the academy.
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During his first season in north London, Horseman took charge of Arsenal’s Under-19s in the UEFA Youth League and also led the Under-21s in the EFL Trophy.
He will now step into the permanent Under-21s role following the departure of Max Porter, who recently left Arsenal to become assistant manager at Championship side Stoke City.
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The appointment sees Arsenal promote from within while retaining a coach who already has experience working with the club’s emerging talent.
Horseman holds a UEFA Pro Licence and has previously held coaching positions at both first-team and academy level with Southampton, Watford, Bristol Rovers, Forest Green Rovers and Manchester United.
Arsenal Academy Director Pascal De Maesschalck expressed his delight at the appointment, highlighting Horseman’s understanding of how to develop young players both individually and collectively.
“He has consistently demonstrated a clear understanding of how to manage our talented young players, both as individuals and as a team,” De Maesschalck said.
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“With his experience, positive mindset and drive, he will continue to help create the perfect environment to realise our objectives and help our young players to succeed.”
Horseman described his new position as a “huge honour” and praised Arsenal’s long-standing reputation for developing players capable of progressing into the first team and the wider game.
The new Under-21s head coach also thanked Mikel Arteta, Albert Stuivenberg, De Maesschalck, Luke Hobbs and Ken Gillard for their support and belief throughout the process.
Arsenal’s Under-21s will begin their new campaign on Tuesday, August 18, when they face Barnet in the EFL Trophy.
Horseman will now oversee the development of another group of Arsenal youngsters hoping to make the breakthrough into senior football, with the club continuing to place significant emphasis on its academy pathway.