| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
In a second deadline day swoop, Arsenal have completed the signing of Per Mertesacker from Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen. The 26-year old will now join his fellow new signing Andre Santos as a part of the new look Arsenal back four and is believed to have signed a three year deal with the North London outfit. The fee taking the German international to the Emirates is believed to be around the £10m mark.
This deal is good for the Gunners for a number of reasons, the first one being Mertesacker’s experience in top flight football. He has made a whopping 287 appearances for Hannover, the club where he started his career, and Werder Bremen, and is still young enough to carry on for at least another five years. He is also a seasoned international, having made 75 appearances for the German national team.
Secondly, his price tag is considerably lower than that of his English counterparts such as Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka, who are perhaps players of similar talent, and he seems like a bargain given the inflated market scenario. Another major advantage with this signing is the player’s physique. Mertesacker stands at a whopping 6 feet 6 inches and would be an intimidating prospect for most frontlines. He would also offer a considerable threat from set pieces, something that the Gunners have been lacking in their last few campaigns.
Given the current injury crisis plaguing Wenger, Mertesacker’s acquisition would come as a welcome relief and the German can be expected to be thrust straight into action with a match against Premier League newcomers Swansea coming up.
However, the one criticism of the big German is his lack of pace, and given Arsenal's desire to play a high defensive line, there is a danger he could be caught out with long balls over the top. Arsenal may have to rejig the way they approach defending if they are to get the best out of Mertesacker.
Also Read:·Comprehensive Deadline Day Transfer Rumours
- 31/08/2011 21:41 - Roma continue transfer spree as Pjanic moves from Lyon
- 31/08/2011 21:32 - Liverpool sign American teenager Villyan Bijev
- 31/08/2011 20:38 - Christian Poulsen leaves Liverpool for French outfit Evian
