Wenger: I’ve Found The New Tony Adams

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is convinced he’s found the ‘new Tony Adams’ in summer signing Per Mertesacker.

The former Werder Bremen defender joined the Gunners for £10million in August but has failed to adapt as quickly as some had hoped, with the giant central half admitting he is still adjusting to the tempo in English football.

“He said it was relentless,” said Wenger. “It is quicker than the football he is used to playing.

“But you can trust the Germans! He is adapting well. He is getting more aggressive. He is a very intelligent player and he will be a big asset to us. He is a little bit like Tony Adams. He is not one of the quickest but he uses his brain.”

Mertesacker brought a wealth of experience from Germany, boasting over 70 caps for his country and Arsenal fans will hope he and the soon to return Thomas Vermaelen can form a solid partnership at the heart of the Gunners defence which has been missing for some time now.