Per Mertesacker reveals how his relationship with Arsenal chief Edu Gaspar really works

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Former Arsenal centre-back Per Mertesacker is now in charge of the North London club’s Hale End academy system.

Per Mertesacker is not the only former Arsenal player to now hold a leadership role at the Emirates Stadium. Ex-midfielder Edu Gaspar is the Gunners’ director of football, and of course manager Mikel Arteta used to ply his trade in the middle of the park as well.

Mertesacker, Edu, and Arteta all have a deep connection with the club and an understanding of the Arsenal ethos.

The Hale End academy has been extremely productive in recent years. Talismanic Arsenal star Bukayo Saka emerged from the youth setup, and now Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are breaking through into the first team picture.

Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly are highly thought of within the club, and are another example of the impressive job Mertesacker has done with the academy. 

• READ MORE: Every Arsenal academy player to make their senior debuts under Mikel Arteta

Per Mertesacker reveals Edu Gaspar influence in Arsenal academy

The success of the Hale End academy is linked with the investment that the youth system has received from the club. This is due to Edu’s own belief in the academy.

Speaking to Football.London, Mertesacker has opened up about the Brazilian’s involvement with the Hale End system.

He said: “The club is very conscious of how important the academy is. I get the sense we are investing in talent, so they see that as an investment. Edu was quite clear with me on that, so he supports it.

“It’s him I work with on a day-to-day and we’re that close that if there are opportunities, he knows about it and gives his okay. The more we get exposed to that market, the more he’s clear on what it needs and what it takes, but the club sees it as a vital investment for the future.”

Arsenal investment in Hale End

Not only are the club willing to invest heavily in youthful talents to add quality to their academy ranks, but the Hale End output has proven itself to be a vital revenue stream too.

Arsenal moved on Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah in the recent summer transfer window. The Gunners fetched decent transfer fees for both players who were both Hale End academy graduates.

Edu is responsible for the club’s transfer dealings and will be aware that these sales of homegrown talents represent pure profit for the club.