Per Mertesacker claims he has a feeling that his Arsenal career isn’t over just yet.
The German gave an interview to Kicker in which he spoke about his knee injury, which has sidelined him for the entirety of the season so far, and his future with the north London club.
There’s been a general feeling among Gooners that the BFG has perhaps come to the end of his time with us given that his contract runs out at the end of the season and Arsene Wenger seems in no hurry to offer his an extension.
“I believe that I can reach a level again on which I am important for the team. I have the feeling that this is not the end,” the 32-year-old said.
“I look at the perspectives for me and my family, and I think that I’ll intensify those thoughts from January on.
“That’s also the time when you can listen to other things [offers] when your contract is expiring.”
With Laurent Koscielny and Per’s compatriot, new centreback Shkodran Mustafi, both gelling incredibly well and looking like a genuine force, it’s hard to see where Mertesacker will fit. Considering he’s been named as captain, it’s slightly worrying that he will probably find it hard to get into his own team. I imagine he knows this.
Is this the end of Per’s Arsenal career? I do think so, even if he doesn’t, although I’m willing to be proven wrong. I’d love to have him at the club for a long time, even though I’m in the (vast) minority, but he’d have to make his peace with sitting on the bench.