Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that he is currently in talks with the board about extending the contract of centre-back Per Mertesacker after the German international has become crucial to the side’s back-line.
When he first arrived in England, many people criticised and judged Mertesacker after several errors cost The Gunners dearly, but it seems that the tall, commanding centre-back just needed time to settle because now he is one of the top defenders in the Premier League.
The 29-year-old has developed a strong partnership with Laurent Koscielny and together they have helped strengthen Arsenal’s weak-link, their defence.
Frequently captaining the side when Thomas Vermaelen and Mikel Arteta have been out, Mertesacker has become crucial to Wenger and today he revealed the news that a new deal is in the pipeline.
‘We are in the process of extending Per Mertesacker’s contract,’ he said at this morning’s press conference.
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles