The centre-back starred for Germany as Joachim Low's side
finished third at the World Cup.
And the 25-year-old's performances saw him emerge as one of
Arsene Wenger's top transfer targets following the exits of William
Gallas, Sol Campbell, Philippe Senderos and Mikael Silvestre.
Gunners boss Wenger was said to be lining up a £10million bid
for Mertesacker's services, but Werder general manager Klaus Allofs
has warned the Frenchman off.
Allofs said: "Per is 100 percent for Werder. I have already said
several times. Nothing has changed.
"He and his advisers have so far not reported [for training
after the World Cup] due to a request from us."
The Barcelona target will have talks with the Arsenal boss
tomorrow, ahead of the team photocall and training session in front
of 10,000 spectators.
Fabregas' heart is set on a move to Barca but it seems
increasingly likely the Spaniards do not have the funds to raise
their initial £30million offer.
Wenger, who has told Fabregas to report for 10am, is adamant the
midfielder is going nowhere.
Fabregas, 23, will arrive from Madrid after a holiday and will
begin training tomorrow. But he will not play in Saturday's
friendly at Legia Warsaw.
Laurent
Koscielny
Arsenal's new £8m signing Laurent Koscielny hopes to break into
the French squad.
The defender, 24, said: "You don't turn down Arsenal. They're
one of Europe's biggest clubs.
"I want to earn my place with Arsenal and, if I do that, I can
get in the French team."
