Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny is convinced his partnership with Per Mertesacker is steadily improving.

Koscielny says he is ­confident ­going into ­battle for the Gunners alongside his big German team-mate.

Koscielny, who lines up for Arsenal against ­Japan's Nagoya Grampus tomorrow as part of the club's tour of Asia, said: "I am happy with our ­partnership.

"We talk a lot and ­communicate well, which is is very important for ­centre-backs.

"That's an aspect we have improved upon a lot as a team - we're all ­talking more and it's working better for us.

"I think the experience of last season can help me in the coming years.

"I feel more confident and sense that I have more authority on the pitch these days. It's a good sign for the ­future."