Arsenal have announced Per Mertesacker will become academy manager in a year's time.

The Germany World Cup winner is the club captain and will continue to be part of the first-team squad for the upcoming season.

But he will do so "while developing his knowledge and understanding of the Academy", the Gunners said in a statement on their website.

And Mertesacker, 32, tweeted: “Looking forward to the new challenge in 2018 ... but: it ain't over 'til it's over #COYG."

Luke Hobbs is set to continue to lead the Arsenal Academy through the 2017/18 campaign, before Mertesacker retires and take over.

Mertesacker, who joined Arsenal from Werder Bremen in August 2011, is excited about his new role.

"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," he said.

"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."