Arsenal increase interest in Bundesliga defender
Arsenal have increased their interest in Werder Bremen defender Per Mertesacker after feeling the pinch from English clubs requesting high valuations for their Premiership experienced defenders.
The likes of Phil Jagielka is one player Arsenal are keen on but they will not stump up the reported £20m fee Everton are looking for. Blackburn Rovers Christopher Samba is another centre-back whom Arsenal were keen on but have found the Lancashire club request a bid around the £15m mark. Gary Cahill makes the third option for the Emirates side but Bolton are holding out for a deal close to £17m.
Mertsesacker was very impressive in Werder Bremen’s recent 2-0 win against 1FC Kaiserslautern showing great strength and energy to lead the side to victory. The German side are also fully aware the international is in his last year of his current contract and are prepared to listen to offers.
A figure of around £6m to £8m has been quoted which would be an absolute bargain for any top side and after becoming frustrated with their quest for an English defender, Arsenal are ready to make their move in the hope of forming what on paper would look relatively formidable with that of Mertesacker standing tall next to Thomas Vermaelen.
