Per Mertesacker

An experienced and reliable centre back who signed for Arsenal shortly before the end of the August 2011 transfer window.

He was able to establish himself in the Gunners’ line-up almost immediately with Thomas Vermaelen out injured and went on to produce a series of solid displays alongside Laurent Koscielny in the heart of the defence before an ankle injury suffered in February put him out for the season.

He is a very tall defender who tackles cleanly and offers an imposing presence at the back. He began his career with Hannover 96 before switching to Werder Bremen in August 2006. In five years with Werder he made close on 150 Bundesliga appearances and was a member of the team that won the Deutsche Pokal in 2009 and reached the final the following year.

Per won his first cap for Germany in October 2004 and in May 2012 he made his 81st international appearance, lining up against Israel.