Jack Wilshere is confident his Arsenal teammate Per Mertesacker will be successful as the club's academy chief.

Mertesacker, 33, will take over the role when he retires at the end of the season.

And Wilshere, who is completing his coaching badges with Mertesacker, insists the German will thrive in the new role.

"I think Per's going to be great at that job [as Arsenal Academy chief]. He might need an assistant one day, you never know!," Wilshere told the Arsenal podcast.

"He's got that character, he's a great captain even though he's not playing [regularly]. He's the most positive, he wants the team to do well and he's a great example to young players.

"If you're under-13 or under-14 coming through at Hale End he's someone to look up to. I'm sure he'll pass his knowledge on to them."