Report: Arsenal hold talks with Per Mertesacker over new four-year deal

Arsenal have reportedly opened talks with defender Per Mertesacker over signing a new deal at the Emirates Stadium.

The 29-year-old, who moved to the North London outfit from Werder Bremen in 2011, has cemented a place in the Gunners defence alongside Laurent Koscielny this season.

The Premier League club are prepared to offer the German new terms in a four-year contract, according to The Express.

Mertesacker is said to have 18 months remaining on his current deal.