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Arsenal boss provides major update on duo’s contract situation

By on January 7, 2017

santi cazorla

Arsene Wenger has offered an update on Santi Cazorla and Per Mertesacker’s contract situation and it looks like the pair will be staying with Arsenal for at least another season.

Cazorla and Mertesacker are in the final year of their contracts and their future’s are in doubt as their current deals expire in June and they’ve both endured injury plagued campaigns this season.

With the duo also the wrong side of 30 many have suggested that their time in North London could be coming to an end with Mertesacker tipped to head back to Germany while Cazorla has been strongly linked with a move back to Spain.

However, Wenger has now confirmed that he will take up the option to activate one-year contract extensions as he feels the experienced pair are still important members of his squad.

Arsene told Arsenal.com:

on whether Mertesacker and Cazorla’s contract are dependent on their fitness…
No. We have an option on both of them and I think we will take it.

on why he wants to keep Santi and Per…
For their qualities as football players firstly but as well for their mental guidance. We need to have a balance between youth and experience. They are important in that.

Mertesacker has yet to feature this season as he’s been out with a serious knee injury that he sustained in pre-season and his comeback has now been delayed after he suffered a calf injury.

With Shkodran Mustafi settling in superbly following his summer move, Gabriel impressing in recent weeks and Laurent Koscielny established as one of the best centre-backs in the league, Per is likely to start next season as fourth choice if he is handed a new contract.

Cazorla on the other hand is still a vital part of the first team and the Spanish international has been sorely missed since aggravating an Achilles injury back in October.

I’m glad to hear we’re going to take up the option of handing Santi another one-year deal but I must say I’m a little surprised we’re going to keep hold of Mertesacker. He’s well down the pecking order now but I suppose his experience around the dressing room will be important.