The former Gunners defender, who is now head of the club's academy, admits a return to elite European football may still be a few years away
Per Mertesacker admits that a Champions League return for Arsenal may not happen for another "two or three years", but he has urged patience with Mikel Arteta in what remains a "big, big transition" for the Gunners.
North London heavyweights have failed to qualify for elite European competition since Arsene Wenger was still at the helm, with their last top-four finish coming back in 2015-16.
Arteta is the man charged with the task of reversing that trend and despite questions being asked of the Spaniard's ability to deliver on lofty expectations, Mertesacker insists he is the right man for the job.