According to the English media, Arsenal centre-back Per Mertesacker is close of leaving the Emirates Stadium in winter, as the player has dropped a massive hint that he could complete a transfer away from the North London club during January transfer window.

The 32-year-old Germany international has made 208 apps for the Gunners since the arrival from Werder Bremen back in 2011.

Despite Arsene Wenger handed Mertesacker Arsenal captain’s armband this summer, the arrival of Shkodran Mustafi has forced his compatriot to consider his future.

However, veteran World Cup champion is upbeat about his chances of working his way back into Wenger’s first-team reckoning following an injury in pre-season.

During his interview with the Kicker, Mertesacker said: ‘I know that I need to allow myself time. The more time I allow my knee, the longer I’ll be able to play football.

‘I can increase the workload already and I am no longer in pain. I believe that I can reach a level again on which I am important for the team. I have the feeling that this is not the end.

‘I look at the perspectives for me and my family, and I think that I’ll intensify those thoughts from January on. That’s also the time when you can listen to other things [offers] when your contract is expiring.’

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