Arsene Wenger has shed some light on what’s happening behind the scenes with Per Mertesacker’s contract and it seems that, according to the boss, the ‘situation’ has not been dealt with.

One of the biggest problems I have as a fan is getting attached to players as people. If I like them as a person, or at least what’s presented to us, I find it hard to separate that from how good a player they actually are.

This is the problem I have with Per Mertesacker. I love him; he adores Arsenal, is generally a good guy and has that weird awkwardness that I see in myself. However, I do recognise that he’s perhaps not the best player. Saying that, I also don’t think he’s the horrific defender people make him out to be.

Therefore, the fact that he may not be at Arsenal for much longer upsets me even though I know it shouldn’t.

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)

When Wenger admitted ahead of Hull that the situation with Per hasn’t been sorted and that we’re taking each year as it comes, I got the distinct feeling that he’s gearing up to say goodbye to the German.

“At the moment we have not dealt with that situation,” the boss said.

“Of course he has to come back [from injury] but we go year by year with Per and we’ll see together at some stage when he will be back in full training.”

Per’s 31, so taking each year as it comes is a standard thing for player of his age but… I don’t know. Something in Wenger’s tone. Plus the fact he’s been made captain.

Sigh.