• Premier League

Mertesacker arrives at Arsenal

ESPNsoccernet staff
August 31, 2011
Per Mertesacker is a veteran of 75 Germany caps © Getty Images
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Arsenal have confirmed that Per Mertesacker has joined the club from Werder Bremen.

Mertesacker, 26, arrives to bolster the Gunners' defence along with left-back Andre Santos, with Arsene Wenger determined to shore up his backline in the wake of Sunday's 8-2 humiliation at the hands of Manchester United.

The Germany international is believed to have cost Arsenal around £10 million and offers the North Londoners a wealth of experience in European and international competition, having played in the 2009 Europa League final with Werder and the 2006 and 2010 World Cups with Germany.

Germany boss Joachim Low revealed on Tuesday that he had spoken to Metersacker, saying: ''Per contacted me last night and informed me (about Arsenal's interest). I told the player that I would release him for the day.''

The 6ft 6in centre-back has now passed a medical and agreed terms, confirming on his personal website that he has signed a contract until 2015.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have sent new recruit Joel Campbell on loan to Lorient, while Gilles Sunu has returned to the French outfit on a permanent deal.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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