Arsenal have been warned off Werder Bremen defender Per Mertesacker.

Werder Bremen's sporting director, Klaus Allofs, has strenuously denied claims that his 6ft 5in defender is on the verge of joining the Gunners, and insists the 25-year-old is not for sale.

"A transfer is ruled out. Per is not negotiable," said Allofs.

The German international has two more years left on his current contract at the Weserstadion, which expires in 2012.