Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has admitted that he has needed time to settle in England, but believes he is finally beginning to adapt to the Premier League.

The German international has struggled since his £8m move from Werder Bremen in August, but has promised Gunners fans that he will improve as the season advances.

"I am feeling good and I think that is the best thing. It was quite a short time for me to settle in and make the transfer happen – it was very close to the deadline so it was a tough month for me," Mertesacker told the club's official website.

"If you have no pre-season with the team then that makes it more difficult. People think it's easy to connect with your club, your teammates but it takes time.

"It's getting better and better and hopefully I can keep improving. Let me play a season and you can get the full picture of my personality and my ability as a footballer."

Mertesacker has made 11 league starts for the Gunners this season.