Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker says they must devote total focus to their FA Cup tie with Blackburn Rovers.

Arsenal face Bayern Munich in the Champions League next week.

"We still have an important cup game on Saturday (first) - we absolutely want to advance in the FA Cup, that is why the preparations for Bayern are not that intense yet," Mertesacker said as part of adidas 'football Hangout on air' webchat.

"However, beginning on Sunday the preparations for Tuesday's match will be extreme.

"Bayern are doing superb this year and that is a big challenge for us, but we are looking forward to both legs."