Per Mertesacker has admitted that although he desperately wants to sign a contract extension with Arsenal, no talks have taken place yet.

The German has been out since the beginning of the season with a nasty knee injury and isn’t due back until the new year. To cope, Arsenal signed Shkodran Mustafi, who has taken to life at Arsenal like a duck to water.

Unfortunately, this means most have put the BFG – our club captain – to the back of the minds and it seems the club is no different.

ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - MARCH 15: Per Mertesacker of Arsenal runs during a training session ahead of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Barcelona and Arsenal at London Colney on March 15, 2016 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
ST ALBANS, ENGLAND – MARCH 15: Per Mertesacker of Arsenal runs during a training session ahead of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Barcelona and Arsenal at London Colney on March 15, 2016 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

The tall centreback’s contract in north London runs out at the end of the season and, according to him, we’re yet to set a date to talk about an extension.

“A new Arsenal contract has absolute priority for me. But no dates have been set [for talks],” he told German outlet, Spox.

“Arsenal has the highest priority for me. Everything else is pure speculation, and I won’t join the discussion.”

Arsene Wenger hasn’t been very clear on whether he wants the 32-year-old to stay. On one hand, he’s fallen down the pecking order, on the other, he loves to club more than most.

No matter what happens, I’m sure the club and fans will always have massive respect for our BFG.