Arsenal face fight to keep academy guru Per Mertesacker as Germany want him new sporting director after World Cup exit

ARSENAL are facing a battle to keep hold of academy manager Per Mertesacker, according to reports.

That’s because Germany want the former Gunners defender to become their new sporting director following their World Cup exit.

GettyPer Mertesacker has been part of Arsenal’s academy since 2018[/caption]

Hansi Flick’s side came within one goal of reaching the knockout stages, but ultimately paid the price for losing to Japan in their opener.

They did come from behind to beat Costa Rica on a dramatic final round of fixtures, but it wasn’t enough after Japan beat Spain.

As a result, the German FA are looking to shake things up before they host Euro 2024.

And Sky in Germany believe they want Mertesacker to replace Oliver Bierhoff, who resigned from his post after their nightmare in Qatar.

They want the 38-year-old to develop the next crop of young players after failing to reach the quarter-finals of a major tournament since 2016.

Germany crashed out at the group stages in Russia and were beaten by England at Euro 2020.

But Mertesacker has been with Arsenal for more than 11 years as a player and coach and isn’t likely to be easy to prise away.

He played for seven years between 2011 and 2018 before becoming academy manager following his retirement.

And he’s been in charge of developing the likes of Bukayo Saka and Co in the last four years.

Therefore, losing him to the Germany national team could be a huge blow for the Gunners.