Arsenal new boy Bernd Leno has revealed that he spoke with Shkodran Mustafi before his move to the Emirates this summer.

The Gunners announced that they had completed the signing of the goalkeeper earlier this month for a reported fee of around £19m.

Leno already knew several of the Arsenal squad from his time as an international for Germany, as well as from playing in the Bundesliga.

Speaking to Arsenal Player, the new stopper insisted he spoke with his German colleagues about a move several months ago.

“I already know Musti and Mesut Ozil from the national team, plus Xhaka, Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan from the Bundesliga,” he said.

“I talked to Musti about Arsenal many months ago. He said it’s a fantastic club with a fantastic stadium and fantastic fans.

“I watched games on the TV in Germany and yes, Arsenal is a fantastic club.

“I’ve known Musti for about 10 or 11 years. We grew up together in the youth national teams, the Under-17s through to the Under-21s.”

Leno also revealed that new head coach Unai Emery helped to convince him to join the north London club.

Asked whether he had spoken to the Spaniard, Leno replied: “Yes. Of course Arsene Wenger was always the coach of Arsenal but now it’s a new chapter for Arsenal.

“I spoke to him and he said to me that he thinks that I’m a good goalkeeper and he wanted me to come to Arsenal.

“So for me it was clear that the club and the coach want to sign me so I’m happy that all people in this club said that I’m a good goalkeeper and wanted to sign me.”