Per Mertesacker headed to Emirates

BREMEN

Werder Bremen general manager Klaus Allofs has confirmed the transfer of Germany defender Per Mertesacker to Arsenal, the lastest move by Arsene Wenger to fortify a defense that gave up eight goals on Sunday to Manchester United.

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Arsenal had previously acquired Brazilian international left back Andre dos Santos from Fenerbahce. With the acquisition of Mertesacker - who has long been connected with a move to North London - Arsenal has potentialy replaced half of its back line.

Allofs told the local Weser-Kurier newspaper Tuesday that ''everything is arranged between Werder and Arsenal.''

An official announcement is expected on Wednesday, following completion of some final details between the clubs. Mertseacker has been given permission by Germany manager Joachim Loew to leave the national team to fly to London and finalize the transfer.

Allofs said Bremen will hold a news conference on Wednesday.

German media says Arsenal will pay around $14.5 million for the central defender, who is entering the final year of his contract with Bremen. The 26-year-old Mertesacker will reportedly receive a contract until 2015 worth 4.7 million pounds per season.

Mertesacker has 75 caps for Germany and was part of the team that finished in third place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.