Per Mertesacker is being lined up for a potential role with the German national team when he steps down as Arsenal’s academy manager, according to reports in his homeland.

The 41-year-old took charge of Arsenal’s youth setup after calling time on his illustrious playing career back in 2018 and has earned himself plenty of admirers with his work in the job.

But Mertesacker, who lifted three FA Cups during his playing days with the Gunners, is keen to explore fresh opportunities elsewhere that will ‘push’ his capabilities ‘even further’.

The World Cup-winning German will, though, remain in his current position until the end of the 2025/26 season.

‘Arsenal is and will always be a very special club to me, so this was a difficult decision,’ Mertesacker told the club’s official website.

‘I am very thankful for the trust the club put in me when transitioning from a first-team player directly into the role as Head of Academy.  Now it is time for me to move on and explore something new and push myself even further. 

‘I remain focused on finishing the season strongly, continuing to nurture and develop our young talent and support a seamless transition until my...