Should Arsenal try to extend Per Mertesacker’s contract?

Our very own BFG is obviously aware that he will struggle to get back into the Arsenal team when he returns from injury, despite being the club captain. He has made it clear that he will be considering his options in January after the Gunners brought in Shkrodan Mustafi and Rob Holding this summer, not to mention Gabriel Paulista arriving last season.

Mertesacker is already 32 years old, and most fans think that he is becoming slower as he ages, but one of our players respects him more than any other player at the club, and when that player is Mesut Ozil perhaps we should listen to his opinion. “I’ve known Per for a while, because we’ve played together in Bremen, for the national team and here too,” Ozil told Arsenal.com. “I can only say positives about him. He gives everything for the team, not just for himself, but for everyone.

“Off the pitch, he watches the games and comes into the dressing room. He’s just a role model and we’re pleased to have him here. I want him to get fit again and back on the pitch as quickly as possible.

“I sincerely hope that he comes back really quickly.”

So Ozil thinks that the BFG is a top role model,so why shouldn’t we keep him in that capacity? Arsenal have made a habit of having non-playing captains recently, and there is the fact that the older more experienced players can pass on their attitudes and strength to the younger players coming through.

So even if Mertesacker is not expected to play as often as he would like, should we give him a one-year extension just for his ability to lead the squad and help teach our youth players?

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6 Comments

  1. If his wage and game time demands are comparable to that of a 4th/5th choice centre back, then sure, or perhaps a player coaching role?

    1. I agree. We kept Arteta last year when we knew he wouldn’t play. And Rosicky. Why not do the same with BFG?

  2. Sell him in January but keep him till end of season. Every player will be used so therefore the amount of players will surely help keep some freshness in them.

  3. Absolutely not, Even in his prime he wouldn’t of got anywhere near our famous back four. I shudder every time I remember him ducking under balls coming into the box!

  4. Yes. He is a good, experienced World Cup winning defender and still has a couple of years in him.

  5. If a buyer shows up in summer sell him. He’s not growing any younger, the older he becomes the slower he gets.

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