The German international says he’s still in discussions with the club over a new contract, but says his desire is to stay at the club and that talks are going well.
Mertesacker spoke to the Guardian ahead of tomorrow’s game against Liverpool, and is keen to repay the faith of Arsene Wenger. The BFG will have just 12 months left on his contract this summer, but Arsenal are hopeful of tying up something soon.
“We are in good progress with the negotiations,” he said. “It’s up to the manager, of course, but I am really up for it. The first year wasn’t that successful but, after that, with how the manager dealt with the situation and helped me to come back even stronger – that is something very special so that’s why my target is to extend my contract here.”
He also talked about Steve Bould and his influence on the defence:
“Steve likes to work with us, especially with the back four. We are grateful for his influence, his tips and his little hints as to what we might do better in any situation.
“We’ve worked just on details and that’s what it’s about, that’s what really pays off now. From the start, he tried to be an influence. He’s a good addition on the coaching staff.”
Mertesacker spoke to the Guardian ahead of tomorrow’s game against Liverpool, and is keen to repay the faith of Arsene Wenger. The BFG will have just 12 months left on his contract this summer, but Arsenal are hopeful of tying up something soon.
“We are in good progress with the negotiations,” he said. “It’s up to the manager, of course, but I am really up for it. The first year wasn’t that successful but, after that, with how the manager dealt with the situation and helped me to come back even stronger – that is something very special so that’s why my target is to extend my contract here.”
He also talked about Steve Bould and his influence on the defence:
“Steve likes to work with us, especially with the back four. We are grateful for his influence, his tips and his little hints as to what we might do better in any situation.
“We’ve worked just on details and that’s what it’s about, that’s what really pays off now. From the start, he tried to be an influence. He’s a good addition on the coaching staff.”