Mertesacker ignores rumours

Werder Bremen defender Per Mertesacker is ignoring talk linking him with a move to England.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Mertesacker as they look to bolster their defensive options, while Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in the giant centre-half.

However, Mertesacker insists he does not want to think about his own future and is focused on helping Bremen improve their fortunes after a difficult campaign to date.

"We are in a difficult moment with Werder and we should not be talking about me at this time," Mertesacker told the Kreiszeitung newspaper.

"I am needed here for our day-to-day work and it is my duty to concentrate on that.

"I cannot deal with anything else."