Wenger to sack Mertesacker from Arsenal

Per Mertesacker may be part of a massive clear-out by manager Arsene Wenger as he rejigs his squad to make a push for a title challenge next season. According to the Daily Mirror, which quotes an unamed report, the German defender, a £10million buy is out for the season with an ankle injury and will be sold on once the season ends. Arsenal have been linked with Ajax's Jan Vertonghen. Arsenal are also considering loaning out reserve keeper Lukasz Fabianski. Young Birmingham custodian Jack Butland has also been scouted. Meanwhile, Mexican forward Carlos Vela, who is on loan from Arsenal at Spain's Real Sociedad, is said to be ready to quit the Emirates. Arsene Wenger received a massive vote of confidence by Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood as they close in on an automatic Champions League spot for next season. The wily Frenchman has turned around the fortunes of Arsenal after a traumatic start to the season where they suffered a 8-2 mauling at the hands of Manchester United. With the club plunging into one crisis after another and just kept above relegation zone, Arsenal fans were even calling for his head. There was even speculation that he would leave for another European club at the end of the season. But ther has been a remarkable change since Arsenal trailed North London rivals Tottenham by eight points in the battle for third place in the Premier League in early February. Now they stand five points clear of Spurs after their ninth win in 10 games following Wednesday night's 3-0 win over Wolves. "Considering where we were before Christmas, we have improved a lot. Maybe it is the most remarkable turnaround I have seen here. But the spirit was always good and we have been very consistent for the past couple of months when we have shown a lot of quality as well," admitted Wenger. The Gunners hierarchy have also been repaid for their commitment to the Wenger cause and want him to stay forever, according to a report in the Mirror. Wenger has just over two years left on his contract, which is due to run out in June 2014. Hill-Wood said: “For him to stay longer than that would be perfect. I can’t think of anybody better to run the team. “And he has shown how much rubbish people were talking earlier this season. We had a terrible run of injuries and that obviously had an effect. “But a few mindless people were saying that he had to go, that Arsene was past his sell-by date. He has shown that is nonsense.” Hill-Wood went on: “He has a young squad, with some excellent young players. He is building a young team with a great future and I am sure he would love to see them develop. “I would want him to stay as long as he is happy here. He has been with us 14 years and has done a magnificent job. “I want him to stay for the long-term and I see no reason at all why he should want to go.”