Arsenal are set to lose one of the most valued members of their behind-the-scenes staff.
Andries Jonker, the head of Gunners’ academy, has agreed a long-term contract to return to Bundesliga side Wolfsburg and become their new head coach following the dismissal of Valerin Ismael, German source BILD state.
The 54-year-old spent two years between 2012 and 2014 as the assistant head coach at Wolfsburg prior to moving to north London and becoming Arsenal’s Academy head.
Wolfsburg approached Jonker about taking the role and have reportedly bought him out of his Arsenal contract, with an official announcement expected in the next 24 hours.
Prior to overseeing the Arsenal academy, Jonker has held a number of high-profile No.2 roles. Between 1990 and 1997, Jonker looked after the Dutch youth international sides and oversaw their progress.
The Dutchman has close ties with former Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal and was his assistant during his time with Barcelona between 2002-03 and with Bayern Munich between 2009-12.
