FC Arsenal sign Mertesacker from Werder Bremen

English Premier League side FC Arsenal have been trying to sign German international Per Mertesacker for quite a while, now on the last day of this summers transfer window they have been able to get Mertesacker from SV Werder Bremen. The fee is expected to be around 10 Million Euros (appro. 8 Million Pounds) with Mertesacker set to get a salary of 4,7 Million Euros.



Mertesacker had yesterday left the Germany camp ahead of an Euro2012 qualifier to undergo a medical in London and after passing the test the details of the deal were worked out by the two clubs.



An official Arsenal statement read, "Arsenal has confirmed they have agreed terms with Werder Bremen to sign German international defender Per Mertesacker. The deal is subject to the completion of formal registration processes."



In Per Mertesacker the Gunners get a rock solid centre-back with years of experience in the Bundesliga and the German national team. The 26 year old is really tall at 198 cm (6ft 6in) with 75 international caps to his name.



Mertesacker has not travelled much in his professional career which started with home town team Hannover 96, whom he left in 2006 for SV Werder Bremen. Now he makes his 'dream' move to London to join FC Arsenal.



Talking about the move Mertesacker said, "'I had a great time at Werder, and I owe a lot to the club. The move to London is a wish come true, to take another step in my career. The English Premier League has for me always represented an interesting challenge."