Former Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen is backing his old club for a big season.

Unai Emery's first season at the Emirates saw the club finish fifth in the Premier League.

"Arsenal have improved with the players they got in the summer. I think they did a good job in the transfer market," Vermaelen, who currently plays for Japanese side Vissel Kobe, said.

"It's a new Arsenal but it doesn't mean it is going to be worse than last season or difficult now.

"Of course a few players have to adapt but I think there is a good manager there (Unai Emery) who wants to play football. I expect them to do better than last year."