Per Mertesacker has warned Arsenal's young stars that there talent will only get them so far.

The 2014 World Cup winner will continue as a coach at Arsenal next season after announcing he will retire from playing at the end of the current campaign.

When asked by the club's website about his assessment of Arsenal's young players that have come through the first-ranks this summer, such as Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson, Mertesacker was frank in his response.

He said: "It's important that we keep in touch and communicate well. They've got huge potential and have high levels of skill, but it's what you make of it.

"That's something I'm going to address in the next couple of years. I respect them highly but the only ones who will make it are the ones who make the most of their potential.

"Talent means nothing to me – it's all about hard work. I put the emphasis on making sure that they're not told how talented they are too much. Talent is what you make of it. Finally, you've lifted the World Cup and the FA Cup."