Arsene Wenger has been dealt a massive transfer blow after a top defensive target dismissed a move to the Emirates Stadium, according to the Mirror.

The under-pressure Gunners boss had hoped to sign Werder Bremen skipper Per Mertesacker after talks over a new deal stalled.

With only a year left on his contract speculation that the 26-year-old would move to North London has been rampant.

However its now emerged that the giant German international will be staying at Bremen for this season at least.

“I am a player of Werder Bremen and I like playing in the green-white of the club,” He said.

“I love being skipper of the club and I proceed on the assumption that I will at least see out the campaign in the colours of Werder Bremen.”

Mertesackers admission is another knife in the back of Wenger who is now under serious pressure from disgruntled fans to strengthen the Arsenal squad.

Gervinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Carl Jenkinson are the only players signed with the latter pair moving up from League One.

Fans are calling out for experienced heads, after going six years without a trophy, and are urging Wenger to use the £35 million brought in from the sale of Cesc Fabregas to bolster the squad.

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