Arsenal Defender 'Has Talked' About Exit Claims Club Captain

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker is wanted by his former club Werder Bremen as the German enters the final months of his contract with the Gunners.

Mertesacker, who is currently out due to a cartilage injury encountered during pre-season, recently discussed a possible return to Germany should Arsenal decide against offering him a contract extension.

Werder Bremen have reopened their doors for the centre-back and the club’s skipper Clemens Fritz has welcomed the chance of reuniting with his former team-mate.

“We’ve talked about it [a return to Bremen],” Fritz told Bild.

“It would be a good thing for the club.”

In addition to Bremen, Hannover and Wolfsburg have also expressed interest in signing the defender, however the German still currently believes he can once again make a place for himself in Wenger’s team.

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Mertesacker remains Arsenal’s skipper but the Germany international is yet to feature for the Gunners this season. The defender’s absence is currently filled by the club’s summer signing Shkodran Mustafi who has already formed a formidable partnership with Laurent Koscielny.

Despite this the 32 year old thinks his run at the Emirates is far from over and he can still be important for the Premier League club again.

“I believe that I can reach a level again on which I am important for the team. I have the feeling that this is not the end,” Mertesacker told Kicker magazine.

“The more time I allow my knee, the longer I’ll be able to play football. I can increase the workload already and I am no longer in pain.”

Per has made 208 appearances for the Gunners ever since joining them in the summer of 2011. The German rose from a regular centre-back to carrying the captain’s arm band for Wenger.

Though the injury is unfortunate it is hoped the defender returns to the team and becomes an integral part of the squad for Arsenal once again. His experience in and around the dressing room is highly regarded by the Gunners boss.