Germany coach Joachim Low has confirmed he has given Per Mertesacker permission to travel to London to finalise a move to Arsenal.
Germany give defender permission to travel to London
Germany coach Joachim Low has confirmed he has given Per Mertesacker permission to leave the national team in order to travel to London to finalise a move to Arsenal.
Werder Bremen defender Mertesacker is expected to undergo a medical with the Gunners on Tuesday ahead of linking up with the Premier League club.
He has been preparing for Germany's Euro 2012 qualifier against Austria on Friday, but Low revealed the centre-half has been allowed temporary leave from the camp.
"Very late yesterday evening, Per Mertesacker gave me information that there has been a serious offer coming in for his services," said Low.
"Werder Bremen have told him this.
"Therefore, I have allowed Per Mertesacker to be absent from training and our camp for today. We are expecting him back for Wednesday's training session."
Mertesacker is in the final year of his contract at Bremen, who recently revealed there had been no offers for the imposing stopper.
The 26-year-old had previously admitted he would be happy to stay at Bremen, but also acknowledged he would not rule anything out.
He could now clinch a move to Emirates Stadium before Wednesday's deadline as Gunners boss Arsene Wenger looks to improve a defence which conceded eight goals at Manchester United on Sunday.
Wenger has a sizeable transfer kitty following the summer departures of the likes of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas, and is also closing on a deal for Fenerbache's Brazilian full-back Andre Santos.
Reports suggest Mertesacker will cost Arsenal a fee in the region of €10million (£8.8m) and he will sign a four-year contract in North London.
Bremen midfielder Marko Marin admits it would be a bitter blow for the club if Mertesacker does join Arsenal before the transfer window closes.
Marin said: "If that happens, it is bitter for us. He is our captain and has had good games for us."
