According to Metro, Per Mertesacker has signed an extension to his current contract at Arsenal, and has taken to social networking site Twitter to express his delight at signing across the dotted line.

Mertesacker has formed a formidable partnership with Frenchman Laurent Koscielny in the centre of defence for Arsenal, and the pair have been instrumental in taking the club to the top of the Barclays Premier League. Even though the club have now lost the spot to Chelsea, the pair still remain a vital part of the title race, and regularly help the squad stabilise play in tricky defensive situations. Mertesacker is an experienced German international defender, and has vast exposure to high intensity matches. Koscielny, on the other hand, has experience playing for the French national team, and that has helped him form a good understanding with his tall defensive partner.

The 29-year old has displayed his affection for the club through a picture on Twitter. Mertesacker has posted a picture of himself playing and training as a young boy in an Arsenal jersey. The picture should delight the Gunners’ supporters, as it shows the player’s lon-standing love for the club.