Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has announced Per Mertesacker has signed a new deal.

Gunners chiefs have taken up an option in Mertesacker's current deal to keep him at the club until the summer of 2018.

The World Cup winner has not featured this season due to injury but is closing in on a return to full fitness.

“He has an option that we have taken," the Arsenal boss. “There was no negotiation, just an option that we have taken.

“He's back in training, not with the squad, but he's two weeks away now."