Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker remains hopeful of winning a new deal.

He is not expected to return to action until next year as he recovers from the injury he suffered during a pre-season game but recently returned to London Colney after spending time recovering in Germany.

The London Evening Standard says Mertesacker has made securing a contract extension at the Emirates his “absolute priority".

This despite being targeted by both of his former clubs: Hannover and Werder Bremen.