Per Mertesacker

[Lebanese Gooner]

Werder Bremen's Per Mertesacker eyes 'attractive' Arsenal switch

By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 2:10 PM on 25th May 2010

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Werder Bremen's Per Mertesacker opened the door to a summer move to Arsenal with the German international centre-half calling a potential move to the Emirates 'attractive'.

The 25-year-old, a first choice for his country, was asked about his future at the Weserstadion by German daily Bild.

'There are certainly attractive clubs abroad. In particular, clubs that have been playing for years in the Champions League,' he said.
On the move: Could Per Mertesacker (right) be the answer to Arsenal's defensive woes?

On the move: Could Per Mertesacker (right) be the answer to Arsenal's defensive woes?

After completing his fourth season at Werder, the 6ft 5in stopper could be exactly the type of performer required by Arsene Wenger to solve his central-defensive conundrum.

While Thomas Vermaelen - a £10million recruit from Ajax last summer - shone in his first season at Arsenal, the futures of veterans William Gallas, Sol Campbell and Mikael Silvestre are unclear.

With 60 caps already under his belt, Mertesacker's leadership qualities and consistency could be exactly the attributes required at Arsenal as Wenger looks to mount a title challenge.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footba ... z0owqyCQpg



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footba ... l?ITO=1490

[Reddaz]

He wouild be a good signing, just not sure if he is in our price range.

[Kerr345]

And he has problems in the high trap that Werder uses. Not the ideal candidate.

[Gaffer]

Height 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in)



Arsenal eye £10m Mertesacker as David Moyes urges Everton not to sell Phil Jagielka

By Mel Henderson Last updated at 5:32 PM on 30th June 2010

Arsenal are considering a move for £10 million-rated World Cup star Per Mertesacker as they extend their search for defensive reinforcements.

The Gunners are already close to finalising an £8.5 million deal for Laurent Koscielny from French club Lorient.

But boss Arsene Wenger needs to make at least two big-money signings, with both William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre departing. And if Sol Campbell joins Celtic it will leave Arsenal with just two senior central defenders, Thomas Vermaelen and Johan Djourou.

Mertesacker, 25, has been on the Gunners' radar for some time with chief scout Steve Rowley regularly making personal checks on him in action for club side Werder Bremen.

The giant defender's displays in helping Germany to the quarter-finals in South Africa have strengthened the view that he could do a job in the Premiership.

Wenger has been linked with several defenders this summer and has increased his offer for Everton's Phil Jagielka to £10 million.

But Goodison boss David Moyes is urging his board not to part with the 27-year-old and that has persuaded Wenger to consider Mertesacker.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footba ... z0sNVVUdLZ

[Reddaz]

I certainly wouldn't complain if we signed him. Surely we would have to pay more than 10 million though.

[Curt.B]

Yes yes yes! Fantastic player and an absolute giant of a man.

[Gaffer]

Yes yes yes! Fantastic player and an absolute giant of a man.

He would certainly be able to deal with the Stoke and Blackburn hoofball tactics. Just what we need

Don: Topic Merged

[The Mad Muller]

Per Mertesacker tipped as back-up Arsenal transfer target
Per Mertesacker is apparently being eyed up by Arsene Wenger as an alternative should he not be able to bring Phil Jagielka to Arsenal this summer.

According to the Daily Star, the manager is considering making a £10 million bid for the 25-year-old Werder Bremen player should he be unable to persuade Everton to sell the ex-Sheffield United man.

The Merseyside club have already rejected a £14 million offer for Jagielka and while a renewed £18 million attempt could be on the cards, Wenger seems to be weighing up his other options.
More Arsenal transfer news and rumours

Strengthening the Arsenal back-line has been a major priority for the Frenchman during the summer transfer window.

He has already signed Laurent Koscielny for £10 million from Lorient but is keen to bring in another player to bolster a defence hit by injury problems last season.

Mertesacker, who was part of the German squad during the World Cup, is thought to be interested in a move to the Emirates Stadium and sources have claimed details about his future will be confirmed next week.

He is currently contracted to play for Werder Bremen for the next two years.

http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/836001-per ... fer-target

[Gunner_X5]

Good player, But I fear He'd be too slow for the premier league, and would be exposed with our high defensive line

[Sp1r0r]

Agree. Mertesacker maybe be good, but he would need a pacey partner to help him out. Remember good central defensive partnerships usually has a tall, powerful header of the ball and another pacey, good at positioning defender.