Arsenal complete Mertesacker signing

Arsenal have completed the 8.75m GBP signing of Germany international Per Mertesacker. The move has been officially confirmed on Werder Bremen's and Arsenal's website. Eyefootball exclusively confirmed that talks were under way in July and the German has finally made a move to the Emirates.

Mertesacker, 26, had been released from his international duty to discuss a move to Arsenal; and Arsene Wenger has agreed a four year contract with the 6 foot 6 defender.

Arsenal are hoping that Martesacker will form a new defensive partnership with Belgium international Thomas Vermaelen at the heart of the Gunners' defence.