Per Mertesacker predicts a tough Premier League title challenge for Arsenal after admitting that it was a 'miracle' the Gunners finished second last season.
Arsene Wenger's side pipped rivals Tottenham to second spot of the final day of the 2015/16 campaign, but fans were still left frustrated as the Gunners' title race fell apart with Leicester the surprise champions.
Arsenal have signed Granit Xhaka, Takuma Asano and Rob Holding to strengthen the squad this summer, but look set to miss out on Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain to Juventus.
And Mertesacker suggests that while the Gunners have belief and ability to compete for top spot next term, a lack of transfer activity could see them struggle to keep pace with their traditional title rivals.
“The way last season went, we were quite lucky to finish second," he told The Sun. “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.”
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Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis have both confirmed that Arsenal are still 'very active' in the transfer market, but Mertescaker suggests the key to winning the title will be how new players adapt to their respective sides.
“You cannot predict what will happen with the other teams," he continued. "Even when you have bought three or four big players, you still need to complement each other.
“So there are still a lot of questions to be answered. Our strength is we have always been able to put all negative energy away from us.
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“In the last five or six seasons, whenever the criticism came, we always bounced straight back. Even though we didn’t finish top, we always managed to get a Champions League spot.
“But, honestly, I don’t care what people say. I can’t control what people are talking about.”
Mertesacker added that while he is not concerned about whether he is named the new club captain following Mikel Arteta's departure, he will guide Wenger's youngsters on the pitch.
“There are far more important things to worry about than who wears the armband," he added.
“As a veteran who needs to be vocal, I will always back up our talented young players to help get the best out of them.
“We have a lot of players missing at the moment. But when we start against Liverpool, everyone needs to take responsibility.”
