Mertesacker calls for new signings after 'miracle' second placed finish last term

Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker has admitted that Arsenal's second-placed finish last season was 'a miracle', and states that Arsenal will need to be stronger if they are to compete for the title this season.

Speaking to The Sun, Mertesacker said:“The way last season went, we were quite lucky to finish second. We turned things around at the end but it was kind of a miracle we finished runners-up.

“What really disappointed us was that Leicester were able to take advantage of all the other big teams suffering and we couldn’t do the same.

“That will be a big motivation next season - to keep up with all those good teams who finished behind us.

“Of course, those big clubs will be stronger this time. That’s what I expect as they’ll start the season with a lot of new players.

“A lot of transfer business has already been done and it won’t be easy for us this time, especially with all the signings going to the other clubs.

“So we also need to be stronger and I am looking forward to seeing how well we compete for the title with not a lot of signings and a lot of young players.”