Arsenal to step up new academy manager search as Andries Jonker becomes Wolfsburg head coach

Wenger and Jonker in the summer of 2016
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
James Olley27 February 2017

Arsenal will step up their search for a new academy manager after Andries Jonker left the club to become head coach at Wolfsburg.

The Gunners this morning confirmed Jonker will replace Valerien Ismael at his former club following his sacking on Friday in the wake of a 2-1 defeat to Werder Bremen which leaves them in 14th place, just two points above the relegation play-off zone.

Jonker spent two years as assistant manager of Wolfsburg prior to moving to London Colney in July 2014 and he told Arsenal’s official website: "I have had a wonderful three years at Arsenal.

"We have made significant progress and it has been great to be part of a club which puts such an emphasis on developing young players through its academy.

"I leave a great team of people who will continue to do a terrific job and I would like to thank everyone, including the board, chief executive Ivan Gazidis and Arsène Wenger for all the support.

"There are some top young players in the Arsenal academy. I look forward to seeing them progress their careers."

Arsenal have reportedly identified Barcelona coach Pep Segura, who has previously worked at Liverpool, Olympiakos and AEK Athens, as their preferred candidate for the role but are yet to make a formal approach.

Gazidis said: "This is a great opportunity for Andries and we wish him every future success. Under Andries' guidance, we have made huge progress in our academy operations.

"Arsenal is known around the world for its development of young players and we are confident we will find the right person to continue to lead our progress."

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