Bergkamp in line to rejoin Arsenal as Academy Director

On the day we celebrate the 15th anniversary of perhaps the greatest Arsenal goal of all time the scorer of that goal, Dennis Bergkamp, is rumoured to be a leading candidate to replace Andries Jonker as Arsenal's academy director. 

Jonker has departed Hale End to replace Valérien Ismaël as head coach of Wolfsburg, a club he has a history with as he was once the assistant manager there. Joining Jonker in German is Freddie Ljungberg who is swapping his u15s role to be Jonker's No.2. Manager and assistant manager at a Bundesliga side is a step up for both men and few Gooners would say anything more than to wish them well.

As recently discussed by Dan Betts, Arsenal are now on the lookout for replacements for Jonker, who joined the club in 2014, and Ljungberg. Dan believes Arsenal could do worse than turning to Arsenal legends to help shape the futures of our brightest starlets. It seems the club shares Dan's view and in addition to sizing up internal candidates are also weighing up an approach for Bergkamp, who has held numerous coaching roles with Ajax since retiring.

Bergkamp was offered a scouting role at Arsenal in 2006 but opted to take some time away from the game to be with his family. However, he has repeatedly stated his desire to return to Arsenal at some point and this vacancy could be the perfect role for him. Another external candidate is Pep Segura, formerly of Liverpool and Olympiacos currently with Barcelona.

Jonker came to Arsenal with a huge pedigree and in many respects Arsenal were fortunate to have such a coach leading their academy. Their next appointment, should it be Bergkamp or Segura, may not have the experience of Jonker but both will come from clubs with outstanding youth set-ups, perhaps the best two in world football, and, in the case of Bergkamp, an inspirational playing career.

We trust the club to make the right appointment but we're rooting for Dennis!

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