Arsenal are aiming to cut out the deadwood from their squad this summer, and according to reports they will not offer Per Mertesacker a contract extension.
The 31-year-old started off the campaign in good spirits after forming a formidable partnership with Laurent Koscielny at the heart of the Gunners defence.
But following a series of shaky performances the former Germany international is facing serious competition from Gabriel Paulista, the £12million back-up signing.
And since being forced to take a spot on the bench, The Times report that Mertesacker’s position with the squad is coming under severe scrutiny as Arsene Wenger begins plans to bolster his team.
The centre back’s current deal is due to run out at the end of the 2016/17 season, giving him just over a year to convince the board and fans that he is still good enough.
That will be a serious struggle though, with his fitness looking worse for wear and the likes of Gabriel and Calum Chambers breathing down his neck ahead of every match-day.
And although that competition comes as good news for the manager, he needs a quick fix this transfer window to ensure the North London side pick up on yet another disappointing season.
With seven Premier League ties still to play, Arsenal have conceded six more goals than their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, as well as losing three more games.
Despite some poor performances leaving him on the bench against Everton and Barcelona, Mertesacker has done a remarkable job as the Gunners captain this season whilst standing in for Mikel Arteta.
The Spaniard is set to move into a coaching role in the Summer, leaving Wenger with a difficult decision as to whether he wants another captain that will barely be on the pitch next year.
Petr Cech has already been considered as the man to take over, whilst Mesut Ozil has appeared as an option to give him even more of a reason to stick around for the next few years.
Arsenal are expected to take part in a big summer exodus to make sure funds and positions are available to bring in some players with top level experience/talent.
Each of Mathieu Debuchy, Mikel Arteta, Thomas Rosicky, Mathieu Flamini and Kieran Gibbs are set to be axed at the end of the season, giving the boss some freedom to sign big.
That news will come as a positive update for the supporters, and The Times are reporting that extension deals will soon be offered to keep Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez at the Emirates.
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