Arsenal have appointed Pascal De Maesschalck as their new academy director, replacing Per Mertesacker, according to Sky Sports. The move brings a change in leadership at the club’s youth development structure following Mertesacker’s long spell in the role. He had overseen the academy since 2018 after retiring as a player.During his tenure, the academy produced several players who progressed into the first team, including Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly. The system at Hale End Academy became increasingly recognised for its pathway to senior football, with development structured to support long-term progression. The development model has been widely regarded as a key part of Arsenal’s long-term sporting strategy.Arsenal academy leadership changeAlthough some criticism was directed at the timing of academy opportunities, Mikel Arteta continued to integrate young players into the senior squad, working alongside the development structure overseen by Mertesacker to support gradual progression into first-team football.Arsenal’s Hale End setup has remained one of the strongest in the country, with continued emphasis on technical development and readiness for senior competition, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent into the first-team environment over recent seasons. This consistency has helped bridge the gap between youth and senior football within the club structure.Appointment of Pascal De MaesschalckDe Maesschalck arrives from Strasbourg, where he previously served as technical director, and has also gained experience at AS Monaco and Club Brugge, building a reputation for strong player development structures and strategic academy planning.His appointment is seen as a move to strengthen Arsenal’s youth development pathway further, with confidence that his experience will enhance the academy structure and continue producing players capable of contributing to the first team in the coming years. It also reflects Arsenal’s continued commitment to investing in internal talent pathways rather than relying solely on external recruitment for squad depth overall._____________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENTSo here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…More Stories / Latest NewsArsenal finally hires a replacement for Per Mertesacker4 July 2026, 23:00Will Declan Rice be fit to face Mexico?4 July 2026, 22:00Arsenal offered the chance to sign Barcelona man4 July 2026, 21:00The post Arsenal finally hires a replacement for Per Mertesacker appeared first on Just Arsenal News.