Per Mertesacker is set to become Arsenal’s academy manager next season (Picture: Getty)

Per Mertesacker is to become Arsenal’s new academy manager next year, the club have confirmed.

The German defender will continue his role in Arsenal’s first-team squad this season before picking up the role in 2018.

Arsene Wenger said Mertesacker, who has been at the club since 2011, will be an ‘inspirational’ figure for emerging talent at the Emirates.

‘Per is an exceptional character who is a great example for young players,’ Wenger told the Arsenal official website.

‘He is a deep thinker about the game and committed to helping players fulfil their potential.

Mertesacker has been at Arsenal since 2011 (Picture: Getty)

‘He will be an inspirational figure for everyone connected with the academy.’

Mertesacker said: ‘This is the start of an exciting new chapter for me and I am delighted that 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 admitted he was considering retirement at the end of next season following a frustrating spell in north London.

The German defender will remain part of Wenger’s first-team squad this season (Picture: Getty)

The 32-year-old was limited to just one Premier League appearance last term but impressed in the FA Cup final as the Gunners defeated Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley.

Speaking to German media last month, he said: ‘I am motivated, but I can not play every three days anymore. I do not want to push my luck.

‘I told Arsene I was tired, mentally drained. I’ve been thinking of my career, there’s nothing to it, I’m going to finish. It didn’t matter how how I’d trained, I did not get a chance.’

Following the confirmation that Mertesacker would soon be taking over the academy, Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis added: ‘At Arsenal, we believe in developing young players to their full potential and giving them an opportunity to shine.

‘I am delighted that Per will take on this role. He understands the club’s values, he knows what it takes to win at the top level and he will be the ideal person to drive the academy forward when he takes on the role next year.’

MORE : Alexis Sanchez ‘determined’ to leave Arsenal and join Manchester City