Per Mertesacker remains in contention for the German national team sports director job, according to a report from Germany.

Bild report that Per Mertsacker, Sami Khedira, and Oliver Ruhnert are the three people in contention for the sports director job with the German national team as it stands.

Mertesacker reportedly has the edge over the competition, due to his experience in a director role in the academy at Arsenal.

Sky Sport in Germany reported in December that Mertesacker was one of the candidates being looked at for the DFB’s new setup, but the Arsenal man distanced himself from the claims at the time.

“No, nobody has talked to me yet,” Mertesacker said then. “You have to know that I’m very, very happy in London – (in terms of) family and professionally.

“I’m waiting for everything now, I don’t like to speculate. At Arsenal, I was given a lot of trust. I’m happy there for now and see what’s in store for me.”

The December reports suggested Mertesacker would take a role with the DFB focusing on developing young talent.

Mertesacker obviously has a similar role at Arsenal, overseeing the academy with the Gunners. He’s been a popular appointment at the club, representing Arsenal’s values well in public appearances and also in shaping the academy strategy at the club.

Arsenal continue to produce top talent and develop them well for first-team integration, though we’ll likely only know the extent of Mertesacker’s impact on the academy in the years to come.

The club will certainly be keen not to lose Mertesacker, but he has a history with the German national team.

A World Cup winner with Germany, the 38-year-old may wish to return and help his old national side through their current difficulties. For now, he seems to be focusing on Arsenal.