Arsenal: Per Mertesacker Deal Contradictory

Arsenal recently triggered a one-year contract extension for club captain Per Mertesacker and I cannot fathom why, especially considering the solidarity and the potential at the centre-back position.

I don’t understand why extending Per Mertesacker’s deal was such an “easy choice” for Arsenal and Arsene Wenger. I recognize that his leadership and experience are important for the dressing room dynamic, but with Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi established as our centre-back pairing and viable depth behind them (Gabriel, Rob Holding and Calum Chambers), I cannot support this extension.

Not only do I believe that the leadership argument is a little overblown – Cech, Mustafi, Koscielny, Coquelin and Sanchez are all emotional and accomplished players capable of leading – but I also believe that this is a poor use of funds. The 2014 World Cup winner earns a modest £70,000-a-week, £3.71m-a-year, but this money could have been used to better effect elsewhere. Furthermore, it hinders the development of both Rob Holding and Calum Chambers.

Wenger made an interesting comment recently regarding the stockpiling of younger players by leading clubs;

More from Pain in the Arsenal

“You’ve invested a lot of money into players because we’re paying more and more money, and then at the age of 20 you don’t usually get much money for any of the players, so the reflex is to stockpile the players. That’s not right. We have two kinds of solutions…the first is to continue developing players, the second step is just to make sure your investment is safe – and that’s not the right way to think about it but it’s the natural reflex for the clubs.”

Granted, Holding and Chambers are unlikely to break into the first team anytime soon, but I thought that their development would have continued nicely had Mertesacker been allowed to depart. It would have allowed them to compete in cup competitions and sparingly replace either Mustafi or Koscielny when necessary in league games.

Chambers agreed to spend this season on loan at Middlesborough and has been impressive when called upon. It could be the case next season, where one, if not both of Holding and Chambers, will have to negotiate a similar deal to play a sufficient number of games.

Both centre-backs have shown plenty of promise, but if Wenger is reluctant to incorporate them into the Arsenal rotation, is that a form of stockpiling talent? Does Mertesacker’s new contract make Wenger’s stockpiling statement contradictory?

Looking ahead, regardless of Laurent Koscielny’s new deal, he will need to be replaced in the near future. Sure, signing someone such as Virgin van Dijk would be fantastic, but it would also be extraordinary if both Rob Holding and Calum Chambers could develop into Arsenal stalwarts.

Next: Arsenal Vs Burnley: Predicted Starting XI

One way to find out whether they are capable or not, is to throw them into the fire. Per Mertesacker’s new contract only throws water on it.

Home/Arsenal News