Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has backed goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny to return to London a better player following his loan spell at AS Roma.

The German believes that Poland international Szczesny is still capable of having a bright future with the Gunners despite being sent to Roma on a season-long loan following the summer arrival of Petr Cech.

"Wojciech wants to compete. I think he's a good goalkeeper and he can still develop," Mertesacker told JD Football.

"The team want him back, that's good for him.

"He's shown great character already in this team and I think he has got a bright future."

Szczesny has made nine Serie A appearances for the Giallorossi who sit third on the Italian top flight, just one point off top spot.