Werder Bremen wants Per Mertesacker back

Per Mertesacker joined Arsenal in the summer of 2011 during the great “Panic Buy” that also saw the additions of Mikael Arteta, Andros Santos and Park Chu-Young at the close of the summer transfer window. Largely unknown save for being... large, the German center-back has become a fixture at Arsenal and has started 208 games for the Gunners.

Slow, ungainly, positionly astute, clever, solid; we’ve thrown a lot of adjectives at the BFG but since forming a very productive partnership with Laurent Koscielny, he’s been a clear first choice for much of his time with the team. That appears to be coming to an end with the additions of Shkodran Mustafi, Gabriel, Rob Holding and Calum Chambers. Currently injured until January, the 32-year-old might find regaining a spot, even on the bench, very difficult.

Which might be the reason for the news that Per’s previous club, Werder Bremen, is interested in taking him back this summer, according to Sky Sports:

Officials from Bremen and Hannover, another of Mertesacker’s former club, have publicly declared an interest in bringing the centre-half back home next season.

And current Bremen skipper Clemens Fritz told Bild: “We’ve talked about it [a return to Bremen]. It would be a good thing for the club.”

With Mertesacker out of a contract in the summer and with his career waning and the team loaded up on defenders, it would not be a surprise to see him leave. Werder Bremen would be a nice return home should a new deal at Arsenal not come.