Earlier this year, we reported that Arsenal legend Per Mertesacker would be stepping down as the club’s Academy Manager after eight successful years in the role. Now, it appears the Gunners are edging closer to finding his successor.According to The Athletic, Arsenal have held talks with Strasbourg technical director Pascal De Maesschalck as the search for a new Academy Manager gathers pace.The 52-year-old Belgian is understood to have emerged as one of the leading candidates to take over from Mertesacker, although the recruitment process is still ongoing.A wealth of academy experienceDe Maesschalck would arrive with an impressive pedigree in youth development.He first joined Club Brugge’s youth department in 2007 before becoming the club’s Academy Manager in 2011, a position he held for a decade.He then moved to Monaco in 2021, where he again oversaw the academy and played a role in the development of several highly-rated youngsters, including current Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Eliesse Ben Seghir, Maghnes Akliouche and Soungoutou Magassa, who now plays for West Ham United.Since 2024, De Maesschalck has served as Strasbourg’s technical director within BlueCo’s multi-club model, helping the French side reach the UEFA Conference League semi-finals last season.(Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)Big shoes to fill at ArsenalReplacing Mertesacker will be no easy task.The former Arsenal captain played a key role in overseeing one of the club’s most productive academy periods, with numerous Hale End graduates progressing into first-team football during his tenure.Finding someone capable of maintaining that production line will be a priority for Arsenal, whose commitment to developing young talent has become one of the defining features of Mikel Arteta’s project.If De Maesschalck is eventually appointed, his extensive background in academy football across Belgium, France and now potentially England suggests Arsenal believe they have identified someone capable of continuing that philosophy.For now, however, the report states only that discussions have taken place, with no appointment yet confirmed.Do you think Arsenal should continue looking externally for Per Mertesacker’s replacement, Gooners, or would you have preferred someone already within the club’s academy structure to step into the role? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below._____________________________________________________________________________________________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 move closer to appointing Per Mertesacker’s academy successor28 June 2026, 19:30Bournemouth join Arsenal in race for highly-rated PSG youngster28 June 2026, 18:30Where to watch all 15 Arsenal stars in the World Cup knockout stage28 June 2026, 17:30The post Arsenal move closer to appointing Per Mertesacker’s academy successor appeared first on Just Arsenal News.