Arsenal Backed For Europa League Title Ahead Of Chelsea

Former Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has backed the Gunners for the Europa League title ahead of other contenders like Napoli and West London giants Chelsea.

Ex-German international centre back Mertesacker talked up North London giants Arsenal for the Europa League title during an exclusive interview with popular media portal Goal.

Per Mertesacker retired from football at Arsenal at the end of last season and he’s currently the Academy manager at the North London outfit.

Arsenal are the third favourites for the Europa League title behind Napoli and London rivals Chelsea and they will have to overcome Italian team Napoli if they are to continue their bid to win the Europa League.

• Liverpool Backed To Reach Champions League Final

An Aaron Ramsey strike and a Kalidou Koulibaly own goal gave the Gunners a 2-0 lead at home to Napoli in their first leg meeting last week and both teams will meet again on Thursday night in what’s the second leg of their last eight tie in the Europa League.

Ahead of the game, Per Mertersacker backed Arsenal to secure a result at the San Paolo though he was quick to point out that things can quickly go wrong for the Gunners despite the fact that they have a two-goal lead ahead of the game.

Arsenal will potentially face either Valencia or Villarreal in the semifinals though its likely to be Los Che who have a 3-1 lead against their rivals from the first leg away from home.