Key Arsenal man responds to exit reports, he would be a major loss to the club

Arsenal academy boss Per Mertesacker is reportedly being considered for a role within the Germany national team - and the 38-year-old has moved quickly to respond.

The former Germany international signed for Arsenal as a player in 2011, going on to make over 150 appearances for the club.

Mertesacker won five trophies with the club - three FA Cups and two Community Shields. He was also a part of the Germany squad that won the 2014 World Cup.

He announced his retirement from playing in 2018, immediately accepting the academy role of which he had been appointed for prior to the end of his playing days.

Mertesacker has implemented a number of revolutionary changes to the academy during his time in charge, including to player recruitment and loan dealings.

A number of Hale End graduates have become first-team stars during that time, including Bukayo Saka, whilst youngsters Ethan Nwaneri and Charlie Patino are amongst the current crop of starlets to have made their Gunners debuts.

Mertesacker linked with Germany role

That is why Arsenal fans were concerned to read that Mertesacker is reportedly being considered for a role in the Germany national team.

Sky in Germany (via Daily Mail) claim that Germany are considering the former defender as their new sporting director, taking over from Oliver Bierhoff.

The national team is in the midst of a rebuild following their second consecutive World Cup group stage exit. However, boss Hansi Flick will continue to lead the team into Euro 2024.

Mertesacker has given a update that may reassure Gunners fans - although may not quite close the door on any approach.

He told German outlet SportBuzzer: "No-one has spoken to me after Bierhoff's exit. You also have to know that I'm very, very happy in London.

"You basically have to ask yourself the question at the DFB, how to proceed, and which people to contact now. That's why I'm just waiting. I hate to speculate."