Arsenal academy chief Per Mertesacker is upbeat over their Europa League chances.

Mertesacker is confident his former team can secure a Europa League triumph this season - but expects them to come up against a tough Napoli side this week.

When asked if Arsenal can go all the way in the Europa League, he told Goal: “Definitely.

"The team is in the midst of the fight for the top four in the league, has the Europa League and has grown throughout these experiences.

"The first leg was great, but in Naples - the city, the fans, the special atmosphere - it can quickly go in the other direction.

"We are glad that we did not concede a goal. Nevertheless, the chances for the semi-final are good - and we have to make up for that after last year's elimination."