MIKEL: WE’RE GUNNER FIGHT TO END

MIKEL ARTETA says Arsenal will fight until the last day of the season for a Champions League place.

Arsenal host third-placed Leicester tonight having boosted their chances of qualifying with three straight league wins.

The Gunners are just six points off fifth place, which could be enough if Manchester City’s European ban is upheld.

Arteta (inset) said Europa League football is not enough for Arsenal. “This club has to play in Europe and this club has to play in the Champions League,” said the Gunners boss

“If we don’t have the choice to do that, then obviously it is better to play in Europe than not to play. We will try to the end.

“If we will be able to take it to the last day, then we would have done really well to have given ourselves a chance. The only thing we can control is our performances and the better they are, the bigger the chance we have to win the games.

“It is clear that it is not in our hands. The only thing we can do is win as many games as possible and see what happens with the opponents.

“Yes, if there were 15 games it would have been much easier but that is the situation we have.” Arteta believes playing in empty stadiums is helping his players as they try to adapt to his methods. “When they play in front of 80,000 people it is much harder, mostly when they are on the ball or the ball is coming close to them,” added Arteta. “Others need that extra motivation, extra pressure, extra passion to perform better. Every player is different. But some of the players are not rushing what they do.”

Arteta confirmed that Arsenal are in talks with Real Madrid to do a permanent deal for midfielder Dani Ceballos, who has been on a seasonlong loan with the club.