Mertesacker has yet to play this season after injuring a knee in July

Arsenal are exploring the possibility of sending Per Mertesacker on loan this month to give him the chance to prove that he deserves a new contract.

The club captain’s deal expires in the summer and he is unlikely to get many opportunities to play for Arsenal before the end of the season because his recovery from knee and calf injuries is behind schedule and he is still several weeks away from returning to fitness.

Mertesacker has yet to play this season after injuring a knee in a friendly in July, and he suffered a setback on his return to training this month, when he picked up a fresh calf problem.

Wilshere has enjoyed a successful loan spell with Bournemouth JOHN SIBLEY/REUTERS

The 32-year-old is eager to stay at Arsenal, but after six months out is aware