Pascal De Maesschalck leaves Strasbourg to become Arsenal academy director

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·4 juillet 2026

Pascal De Maesschalck leaves Strasbourg to become Arsenal academy director

Pascal De Maesschalck has left his role as RC Strasbourg technical director to become Arsenal’s academy director from the first of August.

Arsenal announced the Belgian’s appointment on Friday, naming him as Per Mertesacker’s successor. Mertesacker departed at the end of last season after eight years in post.

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De Maesschalck had been Strasbourg’s technical director since 2024. His move marks another change in the club’s structure.

Before leaving, he praised Strasbourg’s strong identity, the commitment of its teams and a passionate environment.

Head coach Gary O’Neil has also exited for Ipswich. Former France recruitment lead Grégory Thil, who left seven months ago, has been replaced by a director of recruitment, Charlie Hutton.

Source: L'Équipe