Lanky German has been at rock at the back for the north Londoners this season.
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Premier League leaders Arsenal are planning on sitting down shortly with key defender Per Mertesacker to discuss the possibility of extending the experienced German’s stay at the Emirates beyond 2015, according to reports in the Daily Express.
Mertesacker’s form so far in this campaign alongside France international Laurent Koscielny at the heart of the Gunners back four has been one of the main reasons behind the club’s eye-catching start to the season both at home and abroad too.
The 29-year-old has been with Arsenal now since August 2011, when Mertesacker first arrived at the club from Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
And so with now less than two years left to run on the Germany international’s deal in north London, Arsenal head coach Arsene Wenger is keen to tie his centre back down to a new long-term contract in the capital.
Mertesacker, who missed Sunday’s 1-0 loss to champions Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League with flu, has now appeared in a total of 87 matches in all competitions for Arsenal, scoring four goals in the process, which have all come in the top flight.