Xhaka ramps up pressure before Arsenal clash with Chelsea by claiming club must make Champions League spot

GRANIT XHAKA has ramped up the pressure on Arsenal ahead of their clash with Chelsea, by claiming the club must earn a Champions League spot this season.

The Gunners star, 26, knows his side must beat the Blues tonight, as they currently sit six points adrift of the fourth-placed club.

Arsenal haven't experienced Champions League football since the 2016-17 season after dropping out of the top four the past two years.

But now, Xhaka wants a return to the big-time, starting with a win this evening in a six-pointer against Chelsea.

Xhaka said: "For me, [I want] to qualify for the Champions League, win some silverware and further enhance Arsenal as a proper force to be reckoned with.

"I know my team-mates think the same."

The Swiss star went on to say he believes Arsenal have a bright future under Unai Emery - and have massively improved already.

Xhaka added: "I’m very pleased to see how all our hard work and extra training sessions are starting to pay off and we haven’t lost a game as a result ever since.

"We’ve been making solid progress over the past few months, both as a team and as individual players which keeps our confidence levels at the club.

"Knowing that we have a lot of young talent who can compete in the Europa League provides additional depth to our squad which is gives us an additional advantage.

"We’re definitely going in the right direction and we’ll keep up the hard work."

Arsenal currently sit fifth in the Premier League, but could fall behind Manchester United this weekend if results go against them.

United host Brighton at 3pm today, with the Gunners welcoming Chelsea at 5.30pm.