Per Mertesacker’s appointment as Arsenal’s academy manager shows Gunners see German as ideal replacement for Arsene Wenger
Move could be a big hint that the Gunners are preparing for him to take a huge role after boss leaves
ARSENAL have surprised everybody by announcing Per Mertesacker will become academy manager in 2018, but the move looks to be very significant.
As the debate rumbled on last season about Arsene Wenger’s future, and the lack of forward-planning for a replacement, the Metersacker move could be a big hint that the Gunners are preparing for him to take a huge role after Wenger leaves.
Mertesacker has been highly thought of for a long time by many at Arsenal, with his calm, deep-thinking approach leading to suggestions he’ll be a manager in future.
Young players breaking through at the Emirates have often spoken about how the German has had a massive impact on blooding them in, and while Academy Manager is a big job, it is the perfect opportunity to show the credentials for a promotion.
Mertesacker has been an Arsenal fan since his childhood and cares deeply about the club. He’s not as exciting as Thierry Henry, or has legendary status like Dennis Bergkamp.
But he has the intelligence and personality to be the Arsenal manager once Wenger retires.
For a long time now Gunners fans have wanted former players involved in senior positions, but It appears that instead of being reluctant to appoint them, the club have just been waiting for the right one to come along. Mertesacker fits that bill.
It wouldn’t be a shock if Arsenal are using the Academy job as a try out for two years’ time, when Wenger looks certain to finally leave, while Jens Lehmann’s recent arrival also seems to be a nod to the future as much as now.
Will Mertesacker take over as Arsenal boss in 2019? It is a long shot, but don’t be surprised if a player often under-rated on the pitch, proves to be just as under-rated off it and goes on to land the Emirates hot seat.
