Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has somehow tried to clear out all the speculations surrounding a possible new deal for club skipper Per Mertesacker, saying his loss from the first-team due to injury has prevented any kind of contract negotiations, as quoted by talkSPORT.
The 104-capped ex-Germany international is now on a rolling deal at Arsenal, and after he sustained a dangerous knee injury during pre-season, several fans questioned if he would have much of a future at the Emirates.
The powerful defender is a huge figure amongst the North Londoners dressing room, and without him around, there would be a severe lack of leaders in the Gunners squad.
The Frenchman also negotiated the possibility of a new deal for his club captain.
“At the moment we have not dealt yet with that situation. We are not especially waiting for him to be fit, but of course, he has to come back. We will see together at some stage when he will be back in full training.”
The French head coach sounds typically non-committal in his assessment of Mertesacker’s opportunities of getting a new deal.
From Wenger’s comments, it seems that the Gunners are sitting tight, not willing to make any offers until they know Mertesacker will return to full fitness following the serious knee injury he suffered during Arsenal’s pre-season.
A projected five-month layoff will keep him out of action until the new year, around the same time he will be free to hold talks with other clubs regarding his future.
The ex-Werder Bremen man has been a prominent member of Arsenal’s squad since joining in 2011, notwithstanding his rather rude style.
He has made 206 appearances for the Gunners, but with the arrival of countryman Shkodran Mustafi, his chances of regular first-team football now look likely to be limited upon his return to full fitness.
As Mustafi continues to develop a defensive partnership with Laurent Koscielny, both Mertesacker and fellow injured centre-back Gabriel may both find themselves consigned to the bench if and when they return.
Interesting times ahead at the back for Arsenal.