Arsenal have held talks with RC Strasbourg Alsace technical director Pascal de Maesschalck regarding their vacant academy manager position, according to The Athletic.
The Premier League club are seeking a replacement for Per Mertesacker, who departed the role at the end of the season following eight years in charge of the Gunners’ youth setup. The former Germany international defender left a significant legacy at Hale End, having overseen the development of numerous players who have progressed to the first team.
Track record in France
De Maesschalck has emerged as a strong candidate for the vacancy. The 52-year-old Belgian currently serves as technical director at Strasbourg, which operates under the BlueCo ownership group. He previously held the position of academy manager at AS Monaco, where he was instrumental in the development of several current professionals including Eliesse Ben Seghir, Maghnes Akliouche and Soungoutou Magassa.
At Monaco, De Maesschalck worked closely with a generation of talent that has since broken into senior football. His role involved overseeing the pathway for prospects who have subsequently featured for the Ligue 1 side’s first team.
During his tenure in the Principality, De Maesschalck established a reputation for facilitating the transition from youth to senior football. Speaking to Get French Football News in January 2023, he outlined his philosophy on player development. “It is in our DNA to give young players a chance,” he said, adding that the process felt natural because everyone at the club recognised that “young players are part of our future”.
What happens next
The Belgian’s experience aligns with Arsenal’s tradition of promoting homegrown talent. The North London club have historically prioritised academy graduates in their first-team squad, and the appointment of a figure with De Maesschalck’s track record would signal continuity in that approach.
Talks between the two parties have already taken place, though no final decision has been confirmed. Arsenal will be keen to complete the recruitment process ahead of the new season to ensure a smooth transition following Mertesacker’s departure.