Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is ready to renew his interest in German defender Per Mertesacker, according to The Sun.
Wenger has made landing a new centre-back a priority this summer but has so far been left frustrated in his attempts to sign Everton’s Phil Jagielka, Bolton’s Gary Cahil and Blackburn’s Chris Samba.
The Gunners’ need for defensive reinforcements was highlighted when Johan Djourou and Kieran Gibbs collected injuries against Udinese to leave them short of defensive numbers.
Wenger has now turned his attention to Werder Bremen’s Mertesacker who is seen as the best value for money option on the Gunner’s list of defensive targets.
Bremen are willing to cash-in on the 26-year-old stopper after failing to qualify for Europe and he is valued at £9 million.
Arsenal have held a long-term interest in Mertesacker and their scouts are believed to be slightly concerned about his lack of pace.
But they have told Wenger that 6ft 6in Mertesacker reads of the game well and has great ability in the air.
Wenger will also be pleased to hear that Mertesacker favours a move to the Premier League.
The defender said last week: “It is a good thing to get experience playing abroad. I have said that England excites me.”
While Mertesacker could come in, Samir Nasri seems almost certain to be on his way to Manchester City by the end of the week for a fee believed to be in the region of £23m.
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