Rob Holding and Hector Bellerin have credited Per Mertesacker as being their most important mentor at Arsenal.

The German centre-back will join the Gunners academy after he retires from playing at the end of the season.

"It's got to be you big man!," said Holding. "Since I've been at Arsenal - like player wise - it has to be Per.

Bellerin then agreed with Holding: "For me as a player you have been the most [important]. You're the dad."