It has been widely reported that Arsenal will allow multiple players to leave in the Summer. Among that list are veterans, Mathieu Flamini, Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky.
As reported by the Evening Standard, Per Mertesacker is another name that could well be added to that list. The ex-German international is still waiting to begin talks over a new contract with only slightly over a year left on his current deal.
The tall German has made 21 Premier League starts this season, but has found his starting position under threat. In recent weeks Gabriel has taken his place along side Koscielny in the heart of the Gunners’ defence.
Mertesacker last played in Arsenal’s FA Cup loss to Watford, and has found himself on the bench for key games against Barcelona, and most recently Everton. Furthermore, Mertesacker is the wrong side of 30 – players over the age of 30 tend to only be offered one-year deals by Arsene Wenger. However, unlike a lot of players, Per Mertesacker has retired from international football so will be able to fully focus on his Arsenal career.
Although the likes of Flamini, Rosicky and Arteta are set to leave in the Summer, Mertesacker still has a year left on his contract. It remains to be seen, however, whether Arsenal will sell him before then, offer him a new deal, or indeed let him run out that deal, and consequently leave as a free agent.
Would you keep Per Mertesacker at the Emirates Stadium, as vice-captain, or would you let the towering German depart? Or is he a good figurehead and someone to keep around?
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