Arsenal academy chief Per Mertesacker is eager to develop a close relationship with manager Unai Emery.

Mertesacker was Gunners captain for two years under Arsene Wenger but says he "likes the challenge of new people who treat you different".

"The easiest way for me would have been if Arsene had stayed," he said. "He would have trusted me and given me an easy way. But I am excited about the new stuff and the change in management.

"Unai Emery is a hard coach and is totally focused on what happens on the grass. That is his main focus - to get us back in the Champions League.

"It is exciting that I am part of that process. People want to see results but we need to make sure the change happens in the right way and not to rush it too much."