German FA 'could hire Arsenal academy boss Per Mertesacker as their new sporting director' after Oliver Bierhoff's exit... as they 'consider a root and branch reform' following dismal World Cup exit

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Per Mertesacker could be in line to take over as the German FA's new sporting director, following the national team's shocking group stage exit from the World Cup, according to reports.

Despite beating Costa Rica and drawing against Spain, Germany failed to recover from the shocking 2-1 defeat by Japan in their opening match of the tournament and crashed out before the knockouts, as they did at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The exit prompted DFB sporting director Oliver Bierhoff to leave his post on Monday, following calls for a drastic rebuild within the governing body before Euro 2024.

Arsenal academy boss Per Mertesacker 'could become the German FA's new sporting director'

The former Germany international helped his country lift the 2014 World Cup trophy in Brazil

Arsenal's academy manager Mertesacker, who played a role in the national team's 2014 World Cup triumph in Brazil, is a key target to replace Bierhoff according to Sky in Germany. 

It is believed that Mertesacker, having managed Arsenal at youth level since 2018, would be tasked with developing young German talent and inspiring the next international dynasty.

Edu Gaspar, who was promoted with the appointment of Arsenal's first ever sporting director last month, has worked closely with Mertesacker in building a link between the academy and Mikel Arteta's first team squad.

The Gunners carved out a spot at the summit of the Premier League table heading into the World Cup break and have established an identity for successfully integrating academy stars into the first team, including the likes of England youngsters Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe.

Hansi Flick's side shockingly crashed out of the World Cup during the group stages in Qatar  

Oliver Bierhoff agreed to terminate his contract with DFB after Germany's early World Cup exit

Germany boss Hansi Flick is under significant pressure following his side's nightmare exit in Qatar and could follow Bierhoff out the door as the DFB consider changes in their hierarchy.

Flick said after Bierhoff's departure: 'My coaching team and I are finding it difficult at the moment to imagine how the gap created by Oliver's departure can be closed professionally and personally.

'For me personally, Oliver was my first contact and friend within the team. Our common goal was the EM 2024 project in Germany.'

Mertesacker awards star winger Bukayo Saka the Arsenal Player of the Season trophy in 2021