Per Mertesacker was one of the 5 players who Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger, famously bought on Transfer Deadline Day at the start of last season. Though he took a while getting used to the pace and physicality of the English Premier League in his debut season following his switch from Bundesliga side Werder Bremen, he has somewhat adjusted to English football this season.

His aerial threat and reading of the game has helped him stay more consistent this season, despite his lack of speed against pacy players. The 27-year old is one of the first names on the Arsenal team sheet now. Wenger has dropped captain Thomas Vermaelen from the starting 11 due to his inconsistent performances and he has been replaced by Frenchman Laurent Koscielny, as the first-choice defensive partner for Mertesacker.

There have been reports doing the rounds in the British media off late, claiming that Mertesacker is looking to end his short stint at Arsenal and perhaps make a return to Germany, with Wolfsburg being touted as a possible destination for the giant defender.

These reports have forced Mertesacker to speak out about it during a recent interview with German newspaperSport-Bild, where he said, “A change is not an issue,”

“Our manager Arsene Wenger gives me absolute confidence, I play every game. I can think of nothing else, but to stay at Arsenal.”

It looks like Mertesacker has made his intentions clear of staying at the Emirates Stadium next season. One thing is certain, however – we will be seeing some kind of defensive reinforcements at Arsenal in the summer. The Gunners have been linked with a host of defenders in recent months, with many believing that Vermaelen could be one of the players sacrificed and sold in the summer, as Wenger is keen to shore up his defense for next season and is looking to put an end to conceding soft goals, which have often been Arsenal’s undoing.

Mertesacker, along with all Arsenal fans hope that his statement will put an end to the baseless rumors once and for all.