Mertesacker hopes to emulate Tony Adams

Germany international defender Per Mertesacker hopes to emulate the success of former Arsenal captain Tony Adams. The Gunners completed the signing of the defender from Werder Bremen last month.

Mertesacker has been signed as a long term partner for Belgium international Thomas Vermaelen.

Mertesacker hopes that he can be an important member of the team for Arsenal and can emulate former captain Tony Adams.

"We didn't get many pictures of him on the television, but Adams was a legend here. He is a special one for me," Mertesacker told the club's official website.

"When I was looking at English football I always looked to Arsenal and he was one of the great defenders when I was 10 or 12 years old. I like the players [like Adams] very much - I have enjoyed seeing them over the years.

"I hope I can improve my performances here and get better and better - I want to be useful for the team."