Arsenal have signed enormous German defender Per Mertesacker from Werder Bremen – “subject to the completion of formal registration processes.”
The fee for the centre half is believed to be around £8m, which is far less than the mooted price of Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill.
With both Mertesacker and Andre Santos now joining the Arsenal defence, the back line at Emirates Stadium has been substantially strengthened.
Having been captain at Werder Bremen, Mertesacker ought to also add some leadership to the Arsenal team, and his experience will be another asset.
The Germany international has 75 caps for his country, and was ever present in their runs to World Cup semi finals in 2006 and 2010 – as well as the final of EURO 2008.
Arsenal will now focus their attention on acquiring a midfielder or two before the transfer window shuts.
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