• Premier League

Mertesacker brought in for his bulk

ESPN staff
September 13, 2011
Per Mertesacker will add a commanding presence to the Arsenal defence © PA Photos
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Arsene Wenger has suggested he vied away from his tried and trusted transfer policy when bringing in quantity rather than quality in the guise of Per Mertesacker.

Arsenal swooped for the giant Germany international on the final day of the transfer window, having failed with a bid for England defender Gary Cahill.

Mertesacker stands at 6ft 6ins tall and certainly adds an imposing presence to Arsenal's back line. And it is his physique rather than his football ability that persuaded Gunners boss Arsene Wenger to make a move.

"Usually, I look at the quality of the player and not at his size," Wenger told the club's official website. "Because we play a more technical game, I choose smaller players.

"But he is a calming presence, he has over 70 caps with Germany so he has experience and people forget he is only 26 years old."

Mertesacker made an assured debut in Arsenal's 1-0 win over Swansea, but Wenger feels the defender has work to do in order to get used to life in the Premier League.

"He must get used to the pace of the game," Wenger said. "It is an issue because he was surprised by that but overall he has qualities we need in our team.

"He reads well the game, has good communication with the other players and he knows how important it is to communicate. That will play a big part in our season."

Arsenal have revealed midfielder Henri Lansbury, who is currently on loan at West Ham, has signed an extension to his contract.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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