Per Mertesacker insists Arsene Wenger remains as open as ever to new ideas, pointing to several backroom changes as evidence of the Frenchman’s continued desire to evolve as a coach.

It’s coming up to 19 years since the boss – stretching manual and bag of broccoli in hand – imposed his famous Mars bar ban on Highbury’s Tuesday Club; a decision that set the tone for a revolution on and off the pitch.

Of course over the last 10 years Wenger has grown used to criticism being arrowed in his direction, particularly from those who believe him to be stubborn and conservative in his coaching methods and tactics. It’s a charge that Mertesacker believes is ill-conceived.

While the Gunners playing philosophy may have been set in stone at the Emirates, the German insists that behind-the-scenes his manager is open to feedback and new recruits.

“I have witnessed it several times that there were questions about the manager in public,” the club vice-captain told German publication Kicker.

“That is quite normal at a club that goes for the league title. But we responded well with some results. By doing so, not only the team but also the coach is in a much better position.

“It is not like he sticks to his old methods. He changed some things by bringing in new players and by changing his behaviour.

“He changed his coaching staff, he acquired some fresh, young people. The video analysis has changed. In the summer, Shad Forsythe came in from the [Germany] national team as the new fitness coach.

“Those are examples that prove that he is open to new things and that he takes advice. One of his strengths he has never lost in all those years: his charisma. He is calm center of it all – that’s what he brings across.”

Interesting stuff from Per and a take on things that tallies with the huge overhaul of the club’s once state-of-the-art training ground. Redevelopment of London Colney and Hale End is scheduled for completion for the beginning of the 2017/18 season…a year after Wenger’s current deal runs out.