Sky Germany claim – as per the Mail – that Arsenal could lose Per Mertesacker to the German FA as the Gunners’ academy manager is being eyed as a replacement for Oliver Bierhoff – having sacked their sporting director.
The Germans crashed out of the World Cup at the group stage for the second tournament running. That is, despite beating Costa Rica and drawing with Spain – failing to recover from a 2-1 loss to Japan. Germany were poor.
Their squad is ageing and it seems as though there is a real lack of young quality coming through. There have been calls for a big rebuild and that has seen Bierhoff, a footballing legend, lose his job. Hansi Flick is also under pressure.
Mertesacker is impressing in his role as academy manager. He has overseen the progression of the likes of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith-Rowe, Charlie Patino, Marcelo Flores and plenty of other young stars – since taking the role in 2018.
Now, Mertesacker – an Arsenal icon having played 221 times for the club – could depart to return to his home country. Like every other German fan, he will have been frustrated and annoyed by their performance. It could tempt him.
Arsenal could lose Mertesacker to the German FA as Bierhoff sacked
The combination of Mertesacker, sporting director Edu and manager Mikel Arteta has worked well at Arsenal in recent years. The connection of the trio has allowed Arsenal to recruit when the right time, and promote when possible.
Mertesacker is likable and perfect for the role he is currently utilised in at The Emirates. Losing the former centre-back would be a massive blow to the Gunners, who are really beginning to mould an identity and return to the glory days.
But a role as basically, the conductor of the Germany National Team will really tempt Mertesacker. A player who played 104 times for his country as a player. Whether he is ready to leave Arsenal at this stage, remains to be seen.
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