The Gunners are itching to win the trophy for the first time since 2004 but the Germany international is adamant he would not be scarred should it never happen

Per Mertesacker insists he would not consider it a failure if he were to retire without ever winning a league title.

Before moving to Arsenal in August 2011, the closest Mertesacker came was a runner-up finish in the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen in 2007-08, though he was also part of Germany’s victorious World Cup squad in Brazil last summer.

And while Arsenal’s desire for a first league title since 2004 grows keener every year, the 30-year-old is adamant that he would not be scarred by hanging up his boots before he ever finishes top of a league table.

“If I look back on my career without having won a league title, I won’t see that as a failure,” Mertesacker told reporters.

“I’ll do my absolute best to make sure that I can prepare for that eventuality.”

Arsenal take on Swansea City in the Premier League on Saturday.