EPL: Mertesacker reveals ‘world class’ ambitions for Arsenal academy that produces Saka, Emile and Smith
Arsenal academy chief Per Mertesacker has big ambitions for their youth system.
The former Gunners defender is now the Academy Manager at Hale End helping to prime north London’s best youngsters to make the step up to the first team.
Mertesacker said: “Players like [Albert] Sambi Lokonga who is playing, these are players who are fairly young and are part of the new generation of Arsenal Football Club which is getting younger.
“I believe as an academy we should be in a position to provide those players for the first team in the future.”
“I am really conscious that alignment means as well that once we get more successful and get back into the Champions League, that is the level for our players to be at.
“With the tweaks we are making [in the academy] and becoming younger by acquiring talent from the outside to become younger, this is a message to the academy: we need to be world leading.
“To become that we are on a journey. How close are we? I’m not sure.
“We’re competing with the best academies in England but also in Europe and the world. I think we’re in a good position, but ready to do more.”
READ ALSO:EPL: Arsenal loanee Maitland-Niles planning leadership role at Southampton
The academy has already delivered two stars to Mikel Arteta’s first team in Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
The pair from Hale End were crucial in getting supporters behind the project under Arteta and it can breed inspiration within the academy.
Mertesacker adds: “I couldn’t be more pleased how aligned we are in terms of the first team and the academy, and the success rubs off each other.
“I’m in a super happy place right now.”