Former Reading Under-23 manager Mehmet Ali has been given the role as Under-21 Head Coach at Premier League giants Arsenal.

Leaving the Royals in January, Ali was originally given the title of Under-23s assistant coach but a reshuffle has seen the coach given more responsibility in the youth set up.

Talking about his new role, Mehmet told www.arsenal.com: “It’s a great honour and privilege to be a part of this club and lead our Under-21s. I’ve already had six good months at the club, so I’ve got a sound understanding of the players. I’m now really excited and looking forward to continue working with the group and playing my part in developing strong young Gunners." 

Reading Chronicle:

Alongside Ali, former England star Jack Wilshere has taken charge of the Under-18s following his retirement last week.

The midfielder made almost 200 appearances for the Gunners and won almost 40 England caps in an injury-hit career that has forced him into retirement at just 30.

Speaking on both appointments, former Gooners captain, and now Academy manager, Per Mertesacker added: "Everyone knows how passionate Jack is about Arsenal. He understands what we want to achieve here and he really impressed us last year. He knows exactly what it takes to progress through the academy into first-team football. Mehmet also really impressed us in the last six months and we knew that he was the right person to take on the Under-21s role."