ARSENAL are open to allowing Per Mertesacker to go out on loan this month, according to reports.
The Gunners club captain has not featured this term after suffering a serious knee injury in pre-season.
Mertesacker has now returned to full training but is well down the centre back pecking order at the Emirates.
First choice pairing of Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi have been outstanding for Arsenal and could provide the platform for a serious title challenge this season.
Gabriel and young Rob Holding provide cover for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, which could leave Mertesacker surplus to requirements this season.
The Times claims Arsenal are considering sending Mertesacker on loan this month so he can prove he deserves a new deal.
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The 32-year-old stopper is out of contract at the end of the season, and Wenger will not allow the experienced defender to go out on loan to another Premier League side.
A short-term move back to his native Germany looks like the best option for the World Cup winner who is in desperate need of game time.
Mertesacker moved to the Emirates in 2011 from Werder Bremen on a four-year deal, days after the Gunners were humiliated 8-2 at Old Trafford by Manchester United.
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