Arsenal: Arteta happy to keep going in European fight
Arsenal have sacked club icon Steve Bould, who has spent over 30 years at the club as a player and a coach. Bould enjoyed huge success during his playing days at Arsenal and was a trusted member of the squad when Arsene Wenger first took charge in 1996.
The Athleticnow report though that Bould has been sacked by Arsenal as part of a major restructure behind the scenes.
There was reportedly 'friction' at the club with those who worked alongside Wenger and the members of staff wanting to move in a different direction.
Per Mertesacker oversees Arsenal's academy and it appears as though he wanted to move on from Bould.
The former Germany international will now decide on who takes Bould's place as the new Under-23 coach.
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Arsenal's first team has seen a lot of youth players come through the ranks lately, led by the likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
The Gunners have a long history of utilising their youth squad to find the next future star.
Miguel Azeez and Folarin Balogun have been backed to make the step up to the first team on a regular basis in the near future.
Speaking last year, Mertesacker opened up on his role as Academy Manager and how he's adapted over the past few years.
Per Mertesacker is in charge of the Arsenal academy (Image: GETTY)
“Did I know everything about the role? Did I know everything to expect? Absolutely not. I have to admit it," Mertesacker said at the time.
“I thought this is a great club with great people who have been magnificent in nurturing young talent into the first team, so I expected that I would have colleagues in the academy that would be fantastic to me and would welcome me.
“I expected good people to work with. Two years into the role now, did I expect what I was going into? Absolutely not. Am I glad to have made the decision to stay with the club? Absolutely yes.
“Do I like my job? Do I like to be part of the Arsenal Academy and lead it? Best decision ever!”