Per Mertesacker insists Arsenal will focus on Blackburn in the FA Cup on Saturday, just 72 hours before German giant Bayern Munich arrives in north London for a last-16 Champions League first-leg clash.

Arsene Wenger's side is targeting a first trophy since it won the FA Cup in 2005 and the meeting with second-tier Rovers coincides with an improved run of form that has revived its bid for a top-four finish in the Premier League.

But Mertesacker, the Arsenal centerback, has warned his team-mates they cannot allow their focus to be distracted if they want to progress in the domestic competition.