Per Mertesacker: 'Arsenal well prepared for new season'

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has claimed that the squad is "well prepared" for the new Premier League campaign.

The Gunners finished a successful pre-season on Saturday with a comprehensive 3-1 win over Manchester City in Helsinki.

"I think it was a long pre-season but we did well, especially in this game against Man City," Mertesacker told the club's official website.

"That was a good finish and I think we're well prepared for the season. We have now international duty which makes it a bit difficult but I think when we come back on Thursday, we will completely focus on Aston Villa."

Arsenal start the new campaign at home to Villa on Saturday.