Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has laughed off talk of a return to Werder Bremen.

Werder coach Thomas Schaaf has been singing the praises of the Germany international.

"I keep getting asked if something is up. I just laugh," said Mertesacker about the latest transfer rumours. "I get calls, even from relatives. And everyone asks what's going on.

"Of course, I have always had a good relationship with Schaaf."