Arsenal have yet to appoint a new Head of Youth Development and haven’t much much progress, according to latest reports.

  • Former Academy head Andries Jonker left at the end of February
  • The position has remained vacant since
  • A number of young players are approaching the end of their contracts, notably Chris Willock

Andries Jonker, the previous Head of Youth Development, left the club back in February to take over as Wolfsburg manager, and the position has been vacant ever since.

The Mirror reported how Arsenal were looking at Dennis Bergkamp, Pep Segura and Steve Morrow as candidates for the role, but it doesn’t seem like much progress has been made.

Current head of football operations at youth level, Luke Hobbs, was appointed as interim Head while Arsenal made their search.

Speaking about the issue back in February, Ivan Gazidis said:

“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.”

Whoever that right person is, Arsenal will need to make a decision quickly as the futures of a number of young players remain up in the air.

Chris Willock is the most notable. His contract expires this summer. He has interest from Celtic, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund and would be a big loss for the club.