Per Mertesacker will take over as Arsenal’s academy manager after the 17-18 season when he retires as a player.

Mertesacker said: “This is the start of an exciting new chapter for me and I am delighted I will be able to stay part of the Arsenal family. This season I will remain fully focused on my job with the team and am looking forward to a successful last season on the pitch. After that, I look forward to the exciting challenge of helping produce young players good enough to play for the Arsenal first team.”

Mertesacker is 32 years old.