#6 Per Mertesacker
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Arsenal defender and captain, Per Mertesacker, is currently running down the last few months of his contract – sidelined with an injury that’s yet to heal completely. The 32-year-old was one of Arsene Wenger’s many players in that frantic trolley dash transfer window of 2011.
But the big German has been vital in building Arsenal back into contention after that summer. Having lost then captain Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy in one window, the Gunners had lost a lot of ground to their rivals but its players like Mertesacker and Mikel Arteta who came in and steadied the ship.
A hugely vital player for Arsenal and Germany – where he’s been capped a staggering 104 caps – Mertesacker will forever be adored by his Arsenal fans for his commitment, his humour off the field and for being the father figure the team needed when they hit a low – but still qualified for the UEFA Champions League.
However, Arsenal do have an option to extend his contract by another year. They’re yet to confirm if they’re doing so.
Interested clubs: Werder Bremen (his former club), ‘Big Friendly Giants’ club and Arsenal (as an extension)
