Gunners wrap up Mertesacker deal

Arsenal tonight completed the formalities of Per Mertesacker’s transfer from Werder Bremen.

The Germany defender signed what the club described as “a long-term contract” for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around £8m.

Mertesacker said: “I had a great time at SV Werder Bremen and I’m grateful to the club.

“Moving to London enables me to fulfil a dream and a further step in my career.

“The Premier League has always represented a great challenge for me.”

Manager Arsene Wenger told his club’s official website, www.arsenal.com: “We are delighted to welcome Per Mertesacker to the club.

“He is a German international with vast experience and strength and is good on the floor and in the air.

“I believe he will be well-suited to the Premier League and a tremendous asset to the team.”