Dennis Bergkamp Favorite to Be Next Head of Arsenal Youth Academy

Dennis Bergkamp is the favorite to become the next head of Arsenal's youth academy, according to The Telegraph. 

Liam Brady, 56, is the current head of the youth academy and is due to step down from the role by the Summer in 2014. 

Brady former Arsenal player has held the position now since Arsene Wenger took over back in 1996. He is going to vacate it because of Premier League clubs introducing new player development systems, feeling it would be a logical time to depart.

Bergkamp has got the nod due to his iconic status at Arsenal but also because of his hugely successful rise from Ajax U19 manager to assistant manager of the whole club.

When Bergkamp was asked by The Telegraph if he would consider a coaching role at Arsenal, he replied,

"I would, yes."

He continued, "“We have started something good now at Ajax and I know a little bit in my role now, what I like and what I don’t like so if I could fulfill a similar role abroad, especially at Arsenal that would be one of the things that I would like to achieve in the future. But not in the near future because we have just started here.”

Bergkamp is wanted for the impending vacancy because his legendary status could attract the brightest youth talent to Arsenal.

When Liam Brady does step down though the faithful servant will take up a consultancy role at the Gunners. 

Ivan Gazidis spoke with The Telegraph over Liam Brady's time at Arsenal,

“Liam has a deep understanding of what it takes to discover and develop a talented youngster into someone who can perform at the highest level,” said Ivan Gazidis, the Arsenal chief executive.

“He has made a massive contribution to Arsenal Football Club. It will be difficult to find a worthy successor but we will be looking for someone who can build on what Liam and his team have created,”

Brady helped develop Cesc Fabregas, Jack Wilshere and Ashley Cole. He also won three FA youth cups and back to back youth premier league titles in 2009 and 2010.