Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that Per Mertesacker has established himself as one of the club's on-field leaders.

The German defender was signed in 2011 from Werder Bremen, and Wenger feels that he is now one of the finest centre-backs at the club following a big improvement.

"He is one of the leaders [of the team] now," The Mirror quotes Wenger as saying. "Per is becoming a recognised centre-back with a leading role in our team.

"It took a while, but he has improved in his mobility and technical ability and is showing his personality. He is not the player who arrived here."

Mertesacker looks poised to start as the Gunners entertain Stoke City in the Premier League this afternoon.