Arsenal targets Blackburn ahead of Bayern clash

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.