Mertesacker won't quit Bremen

Werder Bremen defender Per Mertesacker says he is not interested in listening to any possible offers as he is solely focused on his responsibilities with the Bundesliga club.

GettyImagesPer Mertesacker is a giant in defence and has attracted numerous suitors

Mertesacker has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal, with Arsene Wengeradmitting he may be forced to sign a new centre back following injuries to Thomas Vermaelen and Sebastien Squillaci.

However, the Germany international, 26, has 18 months remaining on his current contract and remains committed to helping Bremen improve on 14th place in the Bundesliga table.

"We are in a difficult moment with Werder and we should not be talking about me at this time,'' Mertesacker told Kreiszeitung. "I am needed here for our day-to-day work and it is my duty to concentrate on that. I cannot deal with anything else.

"Like I say, most of it does not even get through to me and I have told my agent that he should leave me in peace. In certain situations, players should protect themselves by not losing track of the most important things in their job."

Twente Match Almost Like A Final - Per Mertesacker

Werder Bremen defender Per Mertesacker has heaped the pressure on his team ahead of tonight's Champions League clash with Twente.

"It is almost like a final," the Germany international said according to Kicker. "We need to take something."

"From the games against Twente we should get four points," Werder boss Klaus Allofs added. "But six would be better."

Both Twente and Bremen have taken just one point from two Champions League matches, and are three points behind Tottenham and Inter in Group A. Both of tonight's contestants still have a chance to qualify for the knockout rounds, but will be keen to at least finish third in their group and earn a spot in the Europa League.

PER MERTESACKER – A WORTHY SIGNING FOR MANCHESTER UNITED

News this weekend has been mostly about Manchester United’s inability to finish games off, especially after taking a good lead. We did spot a bit of weekend transfer news related to Manchester United on the internet with a small snippet relating to United’s interest in German and Werder Bremen centre-back Per Mertesacker.

The guy is good and although he has difficulty defending with his Bremen team mates he would be a great fit in the Manchester United squad. He has been around for ages but many of you will be surprised when you discover he is still only 26 years old.

With Jonny Evans still not ready to face the rigours of the Premiership with United every week, Mertesacker would be a great signing. Centre backs are normally very reasonably priced and he would be a monster at the back long term next to Nemanja Vidic.

Rio is still the man, but he is getting older, with injuries beginning to appear every now and then it would be fantastic to be able to call the giant German anytime Sir Alex felt is necessary to include him.

In 2006 Mertesacker was worth about £3.5m but now he would probably be available for about £8m if that. His appearances for Germany have always been top quality and he would be the sort of player that Manchester United should be looking at to take a tighter grip both abroad and in the Premiership.

Bremen star Mertesacker suffers broken eye socket

Werder Bremen defender Per Mertesacker suffered a broken eye socket in Germany's Euro 2012 qualifier against Azerbaijan on Tuesday night, the Bundesliga club have confirmed.

Mertesacker only lasted 11 minutes of the 6-1 victory in Cologne after being caught by an elbow and, after having a gash under his eye stitched, he went to hospital for X-rays.

And those X-rays have revealed a break, with the 71-cap centre half set to undergo further tests later today, although he will not need an operation. It means he is a big doubt for Bremen's league clash with Bayern Munich on Saturday.

A statement on Bremen's website read: "Mertesacker suffered a broken eye socket and a gash under his left eye in the German national team's 6-1 victory over Azerbaijan in the Euro 2012 qualifier in Cologne.

"Doctors said Mertesacker does not need an operation. As planned, the defender drove back to Bremen overnight on Tuesday. He will undergo further examinations on Wednesday.''

Mertesacker staying put

Werder Bremen defender Per Mertesacker insists he has no intention of leaving the club amid reported interest from Arsenal.

GettyImages

Per Mertesacker has pledged his future to Werder Bremen

Germany international Mertesacker, 25, has been frequently linked with a move to Emirates Stadium this summer as Arsene Wenger looks to shore up his defence ahead of the new season.

However, Mertesacker insists there has never been an approach from another club and says he has no intention of moving on.

"I'm staying at Bremen," Mertesacker told Bild. "There have been so many rumours concerning me, but I've never had to be concerned because none were concrete. I want to get back to training and enjoying football."

Werder general manager Klaus Allofs has also made clear the player will not be leaving the club, saying: "Per is staying - 100%."

Schaaf hopeful over Ozil

Werder Bremen boss Thomas Schaaf has said he believes Mesut Ozil is likely to stay at the club this summer.

Ozil, 21, has been linked with an array of clubs around Europe after his impressive performances for Germany at the World Cup, and Sir Alex Ferguson was in the stands at Craven Cottage on Saturday as Werder played Fulham in a pre-season friendly.

Reports from Spain on Sunday claim Barcelona have made enquiries about Ozil while Real Madrid have also been linked but, although the player will be out of contract next summer, Schaaf is cautiously optimistic that the player will remain at the club.

"(I) can't give you some new information, only that he is one player of Werder Bremen and he plays for Werder Bremen," he told Sky Sports News.

Asked if he expected Ozil to remain a Werder Bremen player by the close of the transfer window, Schaaf replied: "Yes, I think so, yes."

Defender Per Mertesacker has also been linked with a move away, with Arsenal said to be interested, but Schaaf dismissed talk he could leave.

"You know, now we are in the time of speculation," he said. "At the moment, the league doesn't play, so everybody is looking for some news and what could happen.

"You can be sure Per Mertesacker will play for Werder Bremen."

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