Arsenal get one over Tottenham again as Per Mertesacker poaches key member of staff from North London rivals

ARSENAL have snapped up Tottenham academy chief Chris Perkins.

Perkins was working in the role of emerging talent manager at Spurs.

GettyChris Perkins will work with Per Mertesacker in the Arsenal academy[/caption]

He had previously worked at the academies of Derby County and Everton as the head of the academy.

However he has now been poached by Tottenham’s fierce rivals Arsenal.

Perkins will take up a role as the professional development phase scout in the Gunners academy.

He will be working under former Arsenal defender and captain Per Mertesacker.

During his time at Derby, he was praised for his work that helped a number of young players make the leap to the first team.

He was reportedly wanted by Everton, who had hoped to re-hire him but he decided on moving to Arsenal, according to the Evening Standard.

Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal are attempting to bring in younger players and improve the academy.

This means that the club could use it as a source of players.

The academy has been able to produce talents such as first-team players Eddie Nketiah, Riess Nelson, and of course Bukayo Saka in recent years.

It is believed that Perkins will start his role this week.