Per Mertesacker: My priority is a new deal with Arsenal

Club captain, Per Mertesacker’s contract Arsenal runs out in the summer and Arsene Wenger has confirmed that there is no new offer for the 32-year-old yet. German clubs, Werder Bremen – Mertesacker’s previous club – and Hannover have both shown interest in taking the defender on a free next summer.

Mertesacker is currently recovering from an injury but in an interview, he reaffirmed his desire to remain at Arsenal and sign a new deal, as reported by the Evening Standard.

‘A renewal with Arsenal is my absolute priority, but we have not made an appointment yet to discuss a new deal. Arsenal are my top priority and everything else is just speculation.’

Even when he returns, it may be difficult for Mertesacker to gain a place in the first-team, with new signings, Shkodran Mustafi and Rob Holding taking their place in Wenger’s squad. Much like previous captains, Mikel Arteta and Tomas Vermaelen, Mertesacker could well find his role confined to be off the pitch.