Wenger turns big spender on deadline day

ARSENAL fan Per Mertesacker admits watching the Gunners thrashed 8-2 at Manchester United was painful — but the Germany centre-half hopes for better times ahead after sealing his dream move to the Emirates.

The 26-year-old 6ft 6in defender was allowed to leave the international training camp to complete his deadline day transfer from Werder Bremen, in what is understood to be an £8 million deal.

Mertesacker and Brazil full-back Andre Santos, who arrived from Fenerbahce, will add some much-needed experience to an Arsenal backline which was brutally exposed at Old Trafford last Sunday.