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Per Mertesacker re-iterates desire to stay at Arsenal
ARSENAL defender Per Mertesacker has once again moved to clarify that he wants to stay at the Emirates.
The tall German defender has come under heavy criticism at times since joining the Gunners for £8m from Werder Bremen in 2011.
Mertesacker had originally been linked with a move back to Germany, and Thomas Vermaelen was on Barcelona's radar.
However, he feels that he is wanted by the club and doesn't see any reason to leave.
"I do not think they want to get rid of me after this season here," Mertesacker told German website www.sport1.de
"I have become an integral part of the team and have really earned respect here.
"Sometimes you have to be self-confident enough and just let the press write what they want, but it is always getting quieter in this regard, and that is a good sign."
Arsenal can cement a Champions League berth if they beat Newcastle on the final day of the season on Sunday.