Mertesacker assessing his Arsenal future

Former German international Per Mertesacker is eyeing a possible return to Werder Bremen when the transfer window reopens in January. The 32-year-old is currently sidelined with a knee injury.

The centre-half is in the final year of his contract at the Emirates, and this has ignited speculation over his future.

German sources suggest that Mertesacker could be offloaded on a cut-price deal in the New Year once he recovers from a knee problem sustained in pre-season.

The World Cup winner has previously held discussions with Werder over a possible comeback, and a return to the Bundesliga looks a likely option in the winter transfer window.

Summer recruit Shkodran Mustafi has formed an excellent partnership alongside Laurent Koscielny in the heart of the defence, and with Rob Holding and Gabriel to provide back-up, Mertesacker is no more than a fringe player at the Emirates.

Mertesacker has appeared in over 200 games for Arsenal since arriving from the Bundesliga in 2011.