Sol Campbell is heading towards Newcastle - leaving Arsenal ready to turn to Per Mertesacker to solve their defensive crisis.
Arsene Wenger was confident of signing 35-year-old Campbell on a one-year deal but newly-promoted Newcastle made an 11th hour move to snatch the ex-England defender.
Gunners boss Wenger is now left in the lurch and has quickly moved for Germany World Cup defender Mertesacker to bolster his squad.
Wenger watched the 25-year-old Werder Bremen centre half in South Africa and Arsenal believe there is a £10m deal to be done as Mertesacker only has two years left on his current contract.
Mertesacker has now emerged as their first choice as Everton knocked back two bids - including a £14m offer - for Phil Jagielka , telling Arsenal he is not for sale at any price.
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...ell-opts-to-join-Newcastle-article538459.html