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Robert Pires believes Arsenal’s only hope of securing Champions League football next season is to go all the way in the Europa League.
With just 11 games to play, Arsenal have fallen eight points adrift of fourth placed Chelsea who currently occupy the final Champions League spot.
Arsene Wenger’s side are back in Europa League action on Thursday when they face minnows Ostersunds having won the first leg in Sweden 3-0 last week.
However, should they qualify for the last 16, they could meet Atletico Madrid or Borussia Dortmund in the next round.
But Pires insists his former side must throw everything at the Europa League.
“The Europa League has to be Arsenal’s priority now, already,” Pires said (via the Sun).
“The objective has to be to do what Manchester United did last season – they are a good example.
Arsene Wenger wants to orchestrate a swift return to Champions League football.
“United won the Europa League and went straight into the Champions League – for Arsenal it is very important to get this state of mind.
“It’s a trophy, a good trophy, so it’s very important. And this season it is the last opportunity Arsenal have of making the Champions League.
“Unfortunately, but if you see the table it’s very difficult for Arsenal to reach the top four.
“I want to see Arsenal playing again in the Champions League. But it is very difficult with Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelsea all above them”.
