Per Mertesacker is “nervous” about his Arsenal debut

Per Metesacker has admitted that he is "nervous" about starting his Arsenal career.

The Germany defender completed a move to the Premier League side from Werder Bremen on the final day of the transfer window last month.

The 26-year-old, who is expected to join up with the Gunners tomorrow after saying his farewells in Germany, has revealed that he is up for the "challenge".

"It is exciting," Mertesacker told the German News Agency. "It is a new phase in my life and I am really looking forward to it, but I also feel nervous.

"It is like before the first day at school. Now I have a new challenge in a new country, a new style of play and a new language and I am ready for it."

The centre-back could make his debut for Arsenal at the Emirates against Swansea City on Saturday.