Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka believes the Gunners qualifying for the Champions League this season would be a “big step” for the Premier League side after the departure of Arsene Wenger.
Wenger was replaced by Unai Emery at the end of last season after 22 years at the helm.
And Xhaka believes a return to Europe’s premier club competition will show an improvement in the side.
“After Arsene Wenger left, a lot of things changed at this club,” he said. “We are happy with the coach and we have improved a lot, and we work a lot.
“It will be a big step if we return to the Champions League. We want to. It’s not easy but we will keep working.
“Of course it is important. Two times in three years we did not play in the Champions League and a club like Arsenal has to play in the Champions League.
“We need to show that on the pitch.”
The Gunners are currently in the hunt for a top-four finish as they sit fifth, just a point behind Manchester United ahead of the two sides’ encounter next week.