Per Mertesacker

http://www2.sbs.com.au/home/index.php3?id=59625

Mertesacker says he dreams of moving to the EPL, with Arsenal his preferred target, and he has often spoken to Jens about life at Arsenal. He is contracted to Hannover until 2008, and Bayern have reportedly expressed an interest, however Mr Mertesacker would prefer England and Arsenal.

This is not so much a rumour, but given that we will need another CB in the not too distant future what do you people think of Per? I didn't pay much attention to him in the Australia / Germany game, but reports are that he has played well so far.

I rate him but Senderos is just as good....If we let Cygan go, he would be a good youngster to pick up.

Yeah he definately is not bad. We could do with him but then again le boss is the one with those decisions.

Open arms.

Suddenly all kinds of players are popping out of the woodwork and saying they want to be a gunner!

I'd take Merteskaer. Good young defender.

I´ve never heard of him

Good choice.

The 20-year-old is widely considered Germany's biggest talent in a traditionally strong defensive line.

Yes Yes Yes !!!

never heard of him,who and how aboat him?

take him any day

Now, Mertesacker, who seems to be a very intelligent and promising player, has stated his admiration for Arsenal before.

In a TV interview with the ZDF (german TV), he stated that he has liked Arsenal since he was 10 years old, as his dad was into the club too.

For his age, he is an incredible CB, but I do not really see how he would fit in at the moment.

Now, Mertesacker, who seems to be a very intelligent and promising player, has stated his admiration for Arsenal before.

In a TV interview with the ZDF (german TV), he stated that he has liked Arsenal since he was 10 years old, as his dad was into the club too.

For his age, he is an incredible CB, but I do not really see how he would fit in at the moment.

We both know he won´t leave now. As far as I know he once in the wonderful magazine that is "Fujuma" stated that he used to support Schalke as a kid. If I was a betting man, I´d bet on him and Podolski joining Bayern in 12 months. Wouldn´t surprise me if Podolski had a pre-contract with them already.

What is it in here with this...

Every decent player in Germany, Bayern have a pre contract with???

Its getting silly, we have just as much chance of signing a young German gifted player.

Now, Mertesacker, who seems to be a very intelligent and promising player, has stated his admiration for Arsenal before.

In a TV interview with the ZDF (german TV), he stated that he has liked Arsenal since he was 10 years old, as his dad was into the club too.

For his age, he is an incredible CB, but I do not really see how he would fit in at the moment.

We both know he won´t leave now. As far as I know he once in the wonderful magazine that is "Fujuma" stated that he used to support Schalke as a kid. If I was a betting man, I´d bet on him and Podolski joining Bayern in 12 months. Wouldn´t surprise me if Podolski had a pre-contract with them already.

I agree, it would be stupid for him to leave now to warm the bench at Arsenal.

However, he is one very few key players in the german national team who will not get any international football exposure next season.

Regarding his Arsenal statement, he sincerely admired the club and Per definately does not seem the type of player who changes his view every week.

In short to mid term (that is, if he does not end up at Bayern), he might be a target. But he is yet to prove himself as a world class CB in next years WC tournament.

What is it in here with this...

Every decent player in Germany, Bayern have a pre contract with???

Its getting silly, we have just as much chance of signing a young German gifted player.

Let´s just say they´re very clever and know what they are doing.

I don´t know if they do have pre-contracts with these 2, but I wouldn´t be surprised at all especially as Bayern thought about taking Mertesacker this summer before they decided to go for Bremen´s Valerien Ismael instead.

Now, Mertesacker, who seems to be a very intelligent and promising player, has stated his admiration for Arsenal before.

In a TV interview with the ZDF (german TV), he stated that he has liked Arsenal since he was 10 years old, as his dad was into the club too.

For his age, he is an incredible CB, but I do not really see how he would fit in at the moment.

We both know he won´t leave now. As far as I know he once in the wonderful magazine that is "Fujuma" stated that he used to support Schalke as a kid. If I was a betting man, I´d bet on him and Podolski joining Bayern in 12 months. Wouldn´t surprise me if Podolski had a pre-contract with them already.

I agree, it would be stupid for him to leave now to warm the bench at Arsenal.

However, he is one very few key players in the german national team who will not get any international football exposure next season.

Regarding his Arsenal statement, he sincerely admired the club and Per definately does not seem the type of player who changes his view every week.

In short to mid term (that is, if he does not end up at Bayern), he might be a target. But he is yet to prove himself as a world class CB in next years WC tournament.

Bayern is sweeping the german transfer market in a very smart way.

If you are one of their targets, you must feel honored, since you automatically get the chance to play on CL level.

Further (and although I don´t particularly like them as a club), young players know that they get an ideal environment to recommend themselves for the national team and get international attention.

He looked quite good in the confederations cup and even scored a goal

Could be a good signing

However, he is one very few key players in the german national team who will not get any international football exposure next season.

He´s the only decent and fit center half although I have to admit that Huth did quite well v Argentina and Tunisia. Still hope Metzelder might be back for 2006.

Regarding his Arsenal statement, he sincerely admired the club and Per definately does not seem the type of player who changes his view every week.

I think he´s quite intelligent for a footballer, too, it´s just that I wouldn´t read too much into statements like this.

Who?

I want to join Arsenal too...

Saw him play once, not bad.

He´s the only decent and fit center half although I have to admit that Huth did quite well v Argentina and Tunisia. Still hope Metzelder might be back for 2006.
.

Metzelder would be great. The 2002-Metzelder that is though, and I sincerely hope that Metzelder will be back to his best. It would be a terrible waste, if he´d have to end his career due to that one injury.

Good choice from Klinsmann to leave him out at the moment, although Huth, despite having great games once in a while, does not fill with much confidence.

I expect he will move to Bayern. That is where all the best german talent goes.

In my original post I wasn't suggesting he join us now. I was (obliquely) referring to my belief that Sol will only be with us for 2-3 more seasons. I think he could be a prospect to monitor as a replacement.

who?

i feel that hes definitely worth going for

Er .. He wants to come to Arsenal .. But Has Wenger prepared to bid for him ??

Anyone Knows what is his value at the moment ??

Probably less than 5m euros.

wengerlike, so

He didn't play all that badly against Brazil, but he does seem about Senderos' level.