Arsenal want Reading youth boss Lee Herron to work under Per Mertesacker in their academy next season
Gunners are lining-up a swoop for the Royals guru as they press ahead with plans to revamp their academy
ARSENAL are looking to make a Royal appointment as they continue with plans to ramp up their youth set-up.
The Gunners confirmed earlier this year that German centre-back Per Mertesacker will become their new academy boss at the end of this season when he retires from playing.
However, they are keen to bring in some new recruits to help the 33-year-old.
And they have targeted Reading's academy manager Lee Herron as the man to assist the 2014 World Cup winner.
As SunSport revealed this week, Emirates chiefs have been impressed with the work done by Herron at the Madejski over the past 15 months since he replaced Eamonn Dolan.
A number of Reading starlets have since progressed into the England youth sides and the Gunners like what they have seen.
Arsene Wenger, who currently only has another season after this left on his deal at Arsenal, is clearly excited about the upcoming changes.
Upon confirming Mertesacker's appointment, he said: "Per is an exceptional character who is a great example for young players.
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"He is a deep thinker about the game and committed to helping players fulfil their potential.
"He will be an inspirational figure for everyone connected with the academy."
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Mertesacker added: "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.
"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."
The club's current crop of youngsters gave an indication that their future is bright last week.
They defeated Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 to progress into the FA Youth Cup fourth round.
The Gunners will play Liverpool on Merseyside in the next round later this month.
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