4pm Arsenal news: Per Mertesacker's goal crazy testimonial, Arsene Wenger backs Aaron Ramsey in contract stand-off, Welshman withdraws from national squad

Our daily round-up brings you all the latest from the Emirates – including the latest on Rambo's exit…

BFG'S LAST HURRAH

PER MERTESACKER has now officially retired following his testominal match.

The World XI side was managed by former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger as 19 goals were shipped in the fixture with 'Hannover 96 friends'.

EX-BOSS BACKS RAMBO

Arsene Wenger says Aaron Ramsey holds all the power over his future – even if Arsenal want to sell him in January.

The Gunners made the shock decision to withdraw their contract offer to the influential midfielder last month, ending months of negotiations.

MINI RAMBOS

GUNNERS ace Aaron Ramsey has withdrawn from the Wales squad for their clash against Republic of Ireland.

His wife is due to give birth to twins – while speculation of a move across London to Chelsea is ongoing.

HELPING THE ENEMY

ARSENAL legends Thierry Henry and Gilberto Silva had a hand in making Manchester United's recent acquisition Fred into the player he is today.

The Brazilian has made a slow start to life at Old Trafford since moving from Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer.

LAURENT'S GOODBYE

LAURENT KOSCIELNY has retired from international football and vented his fury at France boss Didier Deschamps.

The centre-back said that Deschamps called him just once during his injury and it was psychologically difficult watching Les Bleus lift the World Cup without him.

LET'S HAV SARR

ARSENAL are lining up a double swoop for Rennes star Ismaila Sarr and Bayer Leverkusen's Kai Havertz.

The pair, 20 and 19 respectively, have caught the eye of head of recruitment Sven Mislintat, with German attacker Havertz already played 50 times for Leverkusen, netting four times in ten this season.

RAM RAID

AARON RAMSEY could be in line for a move to Manchester United, with the Red Devils interested in luring him on a free this summer.

Arsenal have taken their contract offer to the Welshman off the table, leaving him to find a new club, with Juventus also rumoured to be interested.

'AD ENOUGH OF ME

TONY ADAMS has revealed how a feud with former team-mate Lauren was simply resolved by David Seaman.

The legendary Arsenal captain claimed the Cameroonian defender "took a dislike" to him after he joined the Gunners in 2000 – and it needed Seaman to sort it out.

TORR DE FORCE

LUCAS TORREIRA has enjoyed a fantastic start to his Arsenal career after joining from Sampdoria in the summer.

And his immediate impact when playing for the Gunners has been revealed in incredible stats.

THIERR WE GO

WILLIAM GALLAS has backed Thierry Henry's decision to join Monaco as he succeeds Leonardo Jardim at the helm of the Ligue 1 club.

The former defender believes his former France and Arsenal team-mate made the right decision to turn down approaches from Bordeaux and Aston Villa.

BAILL OUT

ARSENAL and Spurs are set to go to war in the hunt for Manchester United outcast Eric Bailly.

The Ivorian has fallen dramatically out of favour at Old Trafford and could be available in January.

GUNNER REPLACE HIM

ARSENAL want Hector Herrera and Miguel Almiron to replace Aaron Ramsey, according to reports.

It is understood the two midfielders are on Unai Emery's radar as he accepts the Welsh star is set to leave the club.

Source: Read Full Article