Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker hopes the club can find some continuity after the departure of manager Arsene Wenger.

For the first time in 22 years, Arsenal will have to find a new manager in the summer. The likes of Luis Enrique, Carlo Ancelotti, Brendan Rodgers and Thomas Tuchel are being linked.

When asked on his thoughts about a successor, Mertesacker said the following to the club's official website:

"As you could see when Ferguson left Manchester United it was a difficult decision for them who was the successor. I have absolutely no advice. Ivan Gazidis said it is going to be the toughest challenge for this club going forward. It is a tough decision," he said.

"There are some names out there but I do not want to comment on that. It is now the club's decision. We have people working for the club who can see where we are heading. We have a young team who stand for something and Arsene Wenger was the best possible fit.

"Now we have to find another good fit to start a new era. This is what this club stands for, to find someone who can start a new era. That is really tough because in modern football normally managers do not last very long. This unique story will be unique forever. Let's find the best for our club. The club has the power to decide who is the best person.

"As I am well informed, a lot of people will stay because of the values they stand for and the club will protect these values. Whoever comes in is obviously someone very respectful who will lead this club forward. But this club as well stands for continuity and they have decided on a lot of people for next season already and I think they will stick to that."