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Per Mertesacker expects big things from new Arsenal team-mate Granit Xhaka

Combative midfielder Granit Xhaka should imbue the spine of the Arsenal side with some much-needed steel
Combative midfielder Granit Xhaka should imbue the spine of the Arsenal side with some much-needed steel

Defender Per Mertesacker expects Granit Xhaka to set the tempo from the Arsenal engine room this season and described him as the "perfect signing" for the club.

The 23-year-old, who joined Arsenal in May, captained Borussia Moenchengladbach to fourth place last season in the Bundesliga and also helped Switzerland reach the last 16 at Euro 2016.

"He's a leader and that is really important, especially in midfield,” Mertesacker told the club's website.

“He has got a very good attitude, is very composed on the ball and contributes a lot.

"He is a good passer as well, so he will set the tempo. I am looking forward to how he does it, how composed he will be in training and in the games.

"He will be the perfect signing for us."

Francis Coquelin, who played 26 league games last campaign, said Arsenal needed to dig deep in big games and must pay closer attention to details in order to push for the title after finishing second to champions Leicester City.

"It was a really tight season last season and it was a strange one. I think it was unexpected that Leicester would win it but they did terrifically. We had a strong season, but it's going to be about details," Coquelin said.

"The games all the people expect us to win, we have to win them and respond as well in the big games. I think that's what we've done in the last couple of years so we have to carry on doing this."

The London side open their 2016-17 league campaign at home against Liverpool on 14 August.  

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