Per Mertesacker has claimed that he will improve as a player under the guidance of Arsene Wenger.

The new Arsenal centre-back made his debut in this weekend's 1-0 win over Swansea City at the Emirates Stadium and the German international has revealed that he savoured every moment of his first appearance.

"I still have goosebumps," Mertesacker told Bild. "We are in the motherland of football. It was something special."

The 26-year-old is also confident that the training methods implemented by Wenger will benefit his game.

"Wenger is a huge personality," he added. "He trusts me 100 per cent. In training we practise a short, precise passing game. That will help me improve."

Mertesacker joined the Gunners on transfer deadline day from Werder Bremen.

Written by
Liam Apicella