Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker insists that Granit Xhaka is the ‘perfect signing’ for the Gunners as he will set the tempo from the base of the midfield.

The Switzerland international made a name for himself in the Bundesliga with Borussia Monchengladbach, before making a switch to the Premier League this summer.

‘I don’t know him personally but that doesn’t matter, we will get along with each other very quickly because he is a good player and has done so much for Borussia Monchengladbach,’ Mertesacker the Arsenal website.

‘He can speak German as well, so it will be a joy to get his first year going and help him bed in as a player.

The German defender went on to praise the midfielder for his good attitude on and off the fielder, insisting that he will control the tempo in the midfield.

‘He’s a leader and that is really important, especially in midfield. He has got a very good attitude, is very composed on the ball and contributes a lot.

‘He is a good passer as well, so he will set the tempo. I am looking forward to how he does it, how composed he will be in training and in the games. He will be the perfect signing for us.’

Xhaka joined Monchengladbach in 2012 from his hometown club Basel, where he spent 10 years progressing through the youth and senior ranks and won two Swiss titles.

He made over 100 Bundesliga appearances for Monchengladbach and scored six goals.