The Gunners were expected to formalise the acquisitions of Germany centre-back Mertesacker and Brazil left-back Santos after both flew into London to undergo medicals. The pair's arrival cannot come quickly enough for an Arsenal side who have endured one of their most miserable starts to a season in recent memory. Manager Arsene Wenger has been urged by disgruntled fans to splash the cash to get them out of trouble and there is no shortage of money to spend today, even after the reported £8million and £6.2million fees for Mertesacker and Santos are paid to Werder Bremen and Fenerbahce, respectively. Bremen's director of sport Klaus Allofs expects the Mertesacker switch to be finalised without a hitch. "Everything has been agreed between Werder and Arsenal," he told Germany's dpa agency. "There are just a few things that are missing before we can announce the transfer as complete." That should now take place at a press conference in the German city, although Mertesacker's presence in Bremen is unlikely. He is back with the Germany national team in Dusseldorf preparing for Friday's Euro 2012 qualifier with Austria and cannot expect to be given any more free time. "Per asked me if he could have the day off because he had an offer," revealed Germany coach Joachim Low yesterday. "I expect him back this evening." And when Germany take to the field on Friday night, Mertesacker's official club allegiance should read Arsenal - much to the disappointment of his Bremen team-mates. "I am sad," said his central defensive partner Naldo. "I have played four years with him, but Arsenal is a top club." Mertesacker will not leave Germany for long, though, since one of his first games as an Arsenal player will take him to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in a fortnight's time.
