Arsenal U21 boss leaves academy for Premier League club

Mehmet Ali has left Arsenal U21s to join Brentford  

Ali joined as assistant boss of the Arsenal U21s back in January 2022, prior to taking on the role of U21 head coach, but now joins the Brentford staff as a men’s first-team coach.

Academy manager Per Mertesacker took time to praise the former Reading U21 coach, saying: "Mehmet has been fantastic both professionally and personally and we are really proud of his development.

"He has supported both the under-21s and first team amazingly. Since the day Luke Hobbs and I made the decision to appoint him, he has been fabulous.

"We thank Mehmet for his contribution and wish him well with this amazing opportunity to work in a first-team environment and make a difference in the Premier League.

"We place huge emphasis on coach development here at Arsenal and Mehmet has made the most of all the opportunities he has been offered. He has been lifelong learning throughout his time with us and we are so proud of him and wish him well for the future.

“Max Porter and Ken Gillard will take joint interim charge of our under-21s, as we continue to make good progress with our plans for a permanent successor to Mehmet’s role.”

Ali added: “I would like to thank Per and Luke Hobbs for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to lead this phase and for giving me the freedom to develop as a coach and as a person.

“I feel I have achieved so much during my time here. I’m proud of the role I have played in the development of young players, from helping players such as Ethan and Myles integrate into the first team, to supporting players in their journeys beyond Arsenal. I feel I have achieved so much and am prepared for the next chapter in my career.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work with an amazing coaching team throughout my time at Arsenal and I would like to thank them for their elite professionalism, wisdom, knowledge, experience and ability to put the player development above everything else. I met colleagues who were experts in their field, and I leave Arsenal having friends for life. I would like to personally thank Max Porter for his world-class support.

“I would also like to thank Mikel, Albert and all the first team staff for their support during my time at the club and the special relationship we built to create a pathway for players.

"Lastly, I want to thank all the players I have worked with over the last three-and-a-half years at the club for the amazing memories. It has been an honour to see them develop from boys to young men. I wish everyone at the club all the very best for the future.”