Mertesacker has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, according to the club's official site.

Mertesacker has been a vital piece of the Arsenal back line, making 110 appearances in his three seasons with the Gunners. He has been particularly good this season, helping Arsenal remain near the top of the Premier League table.

Mertesacker picked up an assist in Friday's 4-0 victory over Coventry City in the FA Cup.

Mertesacker is paid to keep the riff-raff out of Arsenal's penalty area, which he did nicely along with his back-line mates. He also joined the offensive thrust regularly, as he is wont to do, picking up the rare assist - his first in an Arsenal uniform.

Mertesacker collected three shots and a yellow card in Wednesday's victory over Cardiff City.

Mertesacker was involved in the action at both ends, as per usual - his size and air skills make him an intriguing option on set pieces. Alas, all three of his shots missed the mark (including a pair of glittering chances on headers), but you can see how important he is to the Arsenal roster these days.

Mertesacker scored on a header four minutes into extra time during Saturday's 6-3 loss to Manchester City.

Mertesacker's goal made it 5-3, but Arsenal gave up another goal two minutes later on a penalty kick by Yaya Toure. City absolutely dominated the match and Arsenal will have plenty of time to figure out how to improve, as they don't play again until December 23 against Chelsea, who can take over the top of the table with a win. The goal was Mertesacker's second this season and was a timely one for fantasy owners, given the six-goals scored against him.

Mertesacker played a full match Saturday at Cardiff City, shaking off an early collision with teammate Bacary Sagna.

Mertesacker took the worst of it as he and Sagna contested a ball in the air, but he returned to action after a brief respite and didn't leave for a substitute in the second half.

Mertesacker is in talks on a new four-year contract with Arsenal, according to the Daily Mail.

Mertesacker, who missed last Sunday's match against Manchester United due to a stomach ailment, has been an integral part of the Gunners' back-four this season. His current contract has 18 months remaining on it and pays him £65,000 per week. The new deal will likely give him a sizable increase in wages.

Mertesacker scored in the 36th minute of Sunday's match against Stoke City.

Mertesacker was able to use his giant frame to head in a cross from countryman Mesut Ozil, giving the defender his first goal of the season.