Per Mertesacker is excited for Arsenal's future.

The academy director believes there is cause for optimism with the recent changes made to the club's football structure.

"We are very excited about our new chapter," Mertesacker told Sky Sports' Patrick Davison.

"There was a lot of change at this club, including me becoming academy manager, but the philosophy has never changed.

"We believe in young players, who can represent Arsenal in the first team and for these guys to represent the Arsenal first team in such a capacity is a proud moment for us all."