Mertesacker and Cazorla set to be rewarded
Arsenal stars Per Mertesacker and Santi Cazorla are set to be offered new contracts by the club.
They are two of Arsenal’s longest serving and most experienced players, and they are set to be rewarded for that at the Emirates.
Both players are currently out injured by Cazorla was in decent form before a recurrence of his common Achilles injury hit during their 6-0 Champions League win over Ludogorets.
Mertesacker’s problem is more serious still, with him still nursing a knee injury he’s had since pre-season.
However between them Mertesacker and Cazorla are among Arsenal’s most decorated players, with winners medals from the World Cup, European Championships and FA Cup to their name. It is that experience that Wenger wants to keep in the squad, meaning he will extend the 32-year-old duo’s time at the Emirates by another year.
“We have an option on both of them and I think we will take it,” Wenger said.
“For their qualities as football players firstly but as well for their mental guidance. We need to have a balance between youth and experience. They are important in that.
“The priority first is football player but as well for their mental guidance. We need to have a balance between youth and experience and they are important in that as well.”
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10
