Mertesacker Feeling Valued At Arsenal

Mertesacker Feeling Valued At Arsenal

Per Mertesacker was having a mixed season, with many reports linking the defender with a move back to the Bundesliga in the summer. However, his form has improved considerably in the second half of the season, prompting the player to reveal his delight at becoming an integral member of the squad.

The towering defender was constantly rotated by his manager, who struggled to decide on his first-choice defensive pairing between Laurent Koscielny, Thomas Vermaelen and the German. However, Mertesacker and Koscielny have been the first-choice central pairing for Wenger ever since the club bowed out of the Champions League to Bayern Munich in brave fashion.


It has proved to be an absolutely fantastic decision by Wenger, with the duo having forged a formidable partnership at the heart of Arsenal’s defence. The Gunners are unbeaten in their last ten matches, dating back to their 2-0 away win at Munich, winning eight of those matches and sustaining only two draws against Manchester United and Everton.

Their form in the league has been such that they put themselves in a healthy position to qualify for the Champions League next season, which seemed improbable at the turn of the year. The 28-year-old has been in inspired form in Arsenal’s recent run, with self-confidence playing a major part in his revival.

According to Sky Sports, Mertesacker believes he has become an integral part during his side’s recent successes, and does not foresee leaving the Gunners in the near future. He said, “I do not think they want to get rid of me after this season here.”

He added, “I have become an integral part of the team and have really earned respect here. Sometimes you have to be self-confident enough and just let the press write what they want, but it is always getting quieter in this regard, and that is a good sign.”

Arsenal guaranteed a place in the top-four after collecting all three points against Newcastle United, who celebrated another year in the Premier League last weekend. Speaking ahead of the Newcastle game, Mertesacker said, “We must really put a shift in against Newcastle and really give everything again in our last game. It was a long, gruelling season, but we will do everything possible to win there.”