Wenger denies interest in Bremen defender

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger has rejected suggestions he is planning a move for Werder Bremen centre-back Per Mertesacker.

The Germany international has voiced his wish to further his career abroad, having only played in his homeland so far.

Arsenal have been mooted as an interested party in Mertesacker, but the Gunners’ coach has affirmed his side are not targeting a move for the stopper as he has plenty of options at his disposal already.

“We currently have four central defenders, and thus we do not need any more,” Wenger told Kicker.

Mertesacker has just one more year to run on his contract with Werder Bremen, who are keen to cash in on the defender before risking losing him for nothing next year.

Wenger expects quick Fabregas solution

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger expects Cesc Fabregas's future to be sorted out "very quickly" with a decision over the captain's dream of returning to Barcelona to be reached by this weekend's Premier League kick-off.

"That is completely the truth," Wenger told arsenal.com.

"We hope it will be sorted out very quickly one way or the other. We'll know very quickly."

British media on Thursday claimed that the Gunners had accepted a 36-million-euro offer for the Spanish midfielder from the European champions, Fabregas' boyhood club.

His likely departure ends years of speculation surrounding the 24-year-old World Cup winner, who had made no secret of his desire to one day return to the Nou Camp.

Several outlets reported that Fabregas would forfeit five million euros in compensation he is contractually entitled to because of Arsenal's decision to sell him to Barcelona.

Barcelona had tabled a bid for Fabregas last summer only to have it rejected by Arsenal, who insisted the player was not for sale.

However Arsenal's hardline stance did not deter Barcelona, who duly resumed their pursuit of the player this year.

Wenger had initially insisted he expected Fabregas to stay but has become increasingly resigned to losing the player.

However Wenger urged Fabregas to show commitment last month to avoid destabilising Arsenal's pre-season.

"If Fabregas is committed to this club and wants to stay, no money will get him out of here," Wenger said before the Emirates Cup.

"We are not in a position where we need to sell our players. We are not looking after money.

"He cares about this club and that's why I hope he can keep him."

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English Premier League

Also See:

English Premier League

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