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Arsenal are reportedly in talks with Werder Bremen over the signing of Germany defender Per Mertesacker.
The Gunners were also understood to be close to concluding a deal for Brazil left-back Andre Santos as they sought to revamp their defence following Sunday's humiliating 8-2 defeat at Manchester United.
The double signing would be music to the ears of Arsenal fans, who have long urged manager Arsene Wenger to strengthen a rearguard that has, at times, been left woefully exposed in the past year.
Mertesacker, 26, would also provide much-needed height and experience at the back, standing at 6ft 6in and boasting 75 international caps.