Per Mertesacker admits he urged Serge Gnabry to stay with Arsenal.

The Germany winger left the Gunners in August for Werder Bremen, where he has been a revelation since his arrival.

Arsenal captain Mertesacker is a former Werder player and told their TV channel he tried to convince Gnabry to stay.

"I really wanted him to stay with us and be part of our squad," said the big German.

"But, after all, it's nice that it worked out for Serge. He's at a club that I know and appreciate."