Per Mertesacker eyeing Arsenal exit

Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker is willing to pursuing his career at a new club when the transfer window reopens in three months' time. The World Cup winner is currently sidelined with a long-term injury.

The 32-year-old had been expected to play a key part this term before he sustained a knee problem in pre-season.

According to Metro, the World Cup winner could move on to a fresh challenge in January with his Gunners' contract due to expire at the end of the campaign.

Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi are the first choice at centre-back under Arsene Wenger and with Gabriel and Rob Holding to provide back-up, Mertesacker could well be packing his bags in the New Year.

Mertesacker has appeared in over 200 games for the Gunners since arriving from Werder Bremen in 2011. He was named the skipper for the season despite being sidelined for the rest of the year.