Emirates Stadium side look to see off interest in rock solid defender.
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Arsenal are hopeful they can tie-down German international Per Mertesacker to a new long term contract in order to stave off apparent interest in the giant centre-back from Bundesliga title holders Bayern Munich according to the Metro.
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The 29 year old moved to the Emirates Stadium back in August 2011 and quickly became a fan favourite and has this season continued to perform well on a consistent basis and Arsene Wenger has confirmed that the Gunners are in talks with Mertesacker and are hopeful of having the former Werder Bremen man sign a two year extension to his current deal that would see his contract run for another three and a half years.
The deal will see Mertesacker receive an increase on his current £75k a week salary.
Mertesacker has formed a rock solid partnership with Frenchman Laurent Koscielny, a pairing that has left Thomas Vermaelen warming the bench for much of 2013 and could lead to the Belgian international considering his options.
Given that Bayern Munich sit top of their domestic league having conceded just seven goals in 13 matches one does wonder why Pep Guardiola would even need to target Mertesacker in the first place?