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Per Mertesacker is convinced Arsenal can become genuine Premier League title contenders.

Mertesacker says Arsenal’s strong finish to last season – which saw them take 26 points from their last 30 – proves they have enough quality.

German defender Mertesacker, 28, also believes a big-name signing can transform Arsenal from also-rans into a team capable of breaking up Manchester’s monopoly on the title race.

Mertesacker, speaking ahead of Arsenal’s first game of their Asia tour, said: “We had such a strong finish at the end of the season, especially in the last ten games. We put out a good team with great spirit and that is the target.

(Image: Getty)

“We must be well prepared – both mentally and physically – to do it straight from the off. It’s very hard to be consistent. That’s the reason for Manchester City and Manchester United being successful.

“We haven’t sold any players so we are coming from a good base, we’re at a good level. Maybe someone will come in and strengthen our squad so it’s a better position than last summer when we lost two important players.

“Consistency is the most important thing. If we can do that then we should be challenging for trophies.”

Mertesacker finished the season strongly himself and admits it is a huge year ahead with the World Cup at the end also the need for Arsenal to get back into the Champions League next season.

(Image: Laurence Griffiths)

He added: “We have a big season ahead, especially in August. The Champions League knock-out stage is massive for us.

“It’s a big year for us. We’ve got the World Cup at the end but the focus has to be on Arsenal because we want to win things.”

Arsenal begin their four-game tour of Asia against an Indonesia XI in Jakarta in the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Sunday.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has brought a strong 24-man squad with the most noticeable absentees injured captain Thomas Vermaelen and Spanish duo Santi Cazorla and Nacho Monreal who were given extra time off after the Confederations Cup.