Per Mertesacker believes he’s now an integral part of Arsene Wenger’s squad and insists he’ll be staying in London having put last year’s tough debut season behind him.

The German international has made 42 starts this season, compared to Vermaelen and Koscielny’s 25 and 19 respectively, and firmly established himself as Arsene Wenger’s most trusted centre-back with a stream of steady performances.

It’s quite a turnaround for a player who struggled with the pace, physicality (and in the case of the Stadium of Light) pitches of the Premier League last term and saw the press turn on him by almost immediately link him with a return to Germany.

Speaking after the match against Wigan, the BFG told Sport1.de that he was confident of remaining a Gunner next season and beyond.

“I really think so. I don’t think they want to get rid of me after the season I’ve had here. I’ve become an integral part of the team and earned respect.

“Sometimes you have to be confident in yourself and just let the press write what they want. It’s quiet in this regard and that’s a good sign.”

Turning his attention to Sunday’s match with Newcastle, Mertesacker also underlined his determination to see Arsenal finish the job of qualifying for the Champions League.

“We must strive in the last game against Newcastle to really give everything again. It’s been a long, gruelling season, but we’ll do everything possible to win there.”

Aside from his crazy 15-minute spell which resulted in a red card in the win away at West Bromwich Albion it’s fair to say that Mertesacker has caught the eye by not catching the eye. He’s been a steady, reliable, unflashy figure – an Arteta of the defence if you will – who has proved many of his critics wrong this season. Dare Arseblog News suggest he could even be an outside bet for player of the season…

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Thanks to @SiuFay for the heads up.