Arsenal lose academy coach Jonker to Wolfsburg

Matt Stead

Arsenal have confirmed that academy coach Andries Jonker has left the club to become Wolfsburg manager.

Jonker joined the Gunners in July 2014, and has overseen the ‘transformation of our academy’ – as Arsenal put it – during his time with the club.

The 54-year-old is returning to Wolfsburg, where he previously served as assistant manager, to become head coach of the Bundesliga side.

“I have had a wonderful three years at Arsenal,” Jonker told the club’s official website. “We have made significant progress and it has been great to be part of a club which puts such an emphasis on developing young players through its academy.

“I leave a great team of people who will continue to do a terrific job and I would like to thank everyone, including the board, chief executive Ivan Gazidis and Arsène Wenger for all the support.

“There are some top young players in the Arsenal academy. I look forward to seeing them progress their careers.”

Chief executive Ivan Gazidis added: “This is a great opportunity for Andries and we wish him every future success. Under Andries’ guidance, we have made huge progress in our academy operations.

“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.”