Gunners in Mertesacker talks

Arsenal are in talks with Werder Bremen over the signing of Germany defender Per Mertesacker, Press Association Sport understands.

The Gunners are understood to be close to concluding a deal for Brazil left-back Andre Santos as they look to revamp their defence following Sunday's humiliating 8-2 defeat at Manchester United.

The double signing would be music to the ears of Arsenal fans, who have long urged manager Arsene Wenger to strengthen a rearguard that has, at times, been left woefully exposed in the past year.

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