• Premier League

Mertesacker 'excited' by Arsenal interest

ESPN staff
August 8, 2011
Per Mertesacker has made 75 appearances for Germany © PA Photos
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Germany international defender Per Mertesacker has alerted Arsenal by saying that he is "excited" by the prospect of a move to the Premier League.

The centre back has been linked with a move to the Gunners for some years, but it is only now that his club Werder Bremen have confirmed they are willing to listen to offers for him.

At the weekend, Werder general manager Klaus Allofs said in the People: "We are willing to discuss a transfer for Per. We have promised him we will listen to serious offers."

The circumstances appear right for Mertesacker, a veteran of 75 appearances for Germany, to make his move to the Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger known to be in the market for an imposing central defender.

He has been frustrated in his attempts to sign Bolton's Gary Cahill and Everton's Phil Jagielka - the fee proving a stumbling block for both - and Mertesacker is likely to represent a cheaper option as his contract is up next summer.

Mertesacker said to Bild: "For a national player it is a good thing to get experience of playing abroad. I have said that England excites me."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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