Arsenal academy chief Per Mertesacker has revealed he's already working closely with new sporting director Edu.

As part of his own brief, he had to deliver a presentation to his new boss, Edu, explaining how he is mapping out the future of the club's youngsters.

He said: “I have a huge responsibility. We want to provide for the first team but we want to provide for the football world and the world outside of football.

“There are different pathways. But I want them all to become 'strong, young Gunners.' That's the tagline and that's my vision. That they can cope with any scenario, the Emirates, first-team training, being released...anything.

“I have to learn and start at the bottom. Youth football is very exciting and I want to do it all now.

“You are really talking about what comes through in five to ten years but I'd welcome the chance to see it through."