• Premier League

Mertesacker confident of Arsenal stay

ESPN staff
May 17, 2013
Per Mertesacker has featured regularly for Arsenal this season © Getty Images
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Per Mertesacker believes he will be at Arsenal next season as the German considers himself a vital player at the Emirates Stadium.

The 28-year-old has been a regular feature for the Gunners during the campaign, and his consistent performances alongside Laurent Koscielny have kept club captain Thomas Vermaelen out of the first team and on the bench since February.

Mertesacker was linked with a move back to Germany in March, but he insists his future lies in North London.

"I do not think they want to get rid of me after this season here," Mertesacker revealed to German website www.sport1.de.

"I have become an integral part of the team and have really earned respect here."

Mertesacker believes the less his name is mentioned in the news regarding a possible transfer away from The Emirates, the better indication it gives that his career at Arsenal will continue into a third season.

"Sometimes you have to be self-confident enough and just let the press write what they want, but it is always getting quieter in this regard, and that is a good sign," he said.

Mertesacker and his team-mates have one final task to complete; to qualify for the Champions League and clinch fourth spot ahead of bitter rivals Tottenham with a victory at Newcastle on Sunday.

"We must really put a shift in against Newcastle and really give everything again in our last game," the Germany international said. "It was a long, gruelling season, but we will do everything possible to win there."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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