Emirates Stadium defender on his way back to Germany?
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German daily Bild believes that giant Arsenal centre-back Per Mertesacker is likely to return to the Bundesliga this summer.
The experienced German international 28 year old had a mixed first season in the English top tier but started the current campaign well before a period of shaky form has once again led to speculation that Arsene Wenger will look to bring in alternative defensive options that could leave Mertesacker pondering his options.
Mertesacker has started 24 of the Gunners 28 Premier League fixtures thus far this season so is still one of the first names on Wenger’s team-sheet but this source claims that a move back to Hannover could be on the cards for the defender.
The 6ft 6in defender spent 11 years at Hannover from the age of 11 to 22 before moving to Werder Bremen n 2006 and a move back to his hometown club may tempt Mertesacker.
Perhaps Wenger is willing to allow the eldest of his three centre-back options leave in order to make room for reinforcements but may well demand that any interested party at least match the £8m the North London club forked out for Mertesacker back in August 2011.
Mertesacker has made 60 starts for Arsenal and has scored twice, both goals coming against local rivals Tottenham.