Thomas Partey insists Arsenal belong in the Champions League and is aiming for Europa League success in his first season at the club.
The Ghana midfielder arrived from Atletico Madrid on a transfer deadline day in October after the Gunners promoted his release clause.
However, despite Atleti sitting at the top of LaLiga in the middle of the 16 League Cup tie with Chelsea, Arsenal did not succeed in kicking in this campaign.
Partey has struggled with injuries since moving to north London and Mikel Arteta ‘s side are lamenting 10th place in the Premier League – 12 points off the top four.
Arsenal now face a fifth season out of the Champions League – but Partey believes they are still a club that should play in the European elite club competition.
“We know a club should be in the Champions League,” he said.
“We are in a bad situation now, but it’s up to us. We are the ones who are playing, we have this opportunity, we have to try to make this season better.
“Before we can get where we want, we have to try to be able to win all the games.”
Partey was speaking ahead of Arsenal’s 16-legged Europa League first-round tie with Olympiacos on Thursday.
Winning the Europa League is also a return to the Champions League for Arsenal and Partey sets his sights on doing just that.
“It’s very important,” he replied when asked how important it was to win the Europa League.
“It (Champions League football) attracts a lot of good players, it shows your profile to the world too, what you can do outside the league.
“And I think it’s very important to the club, to the fans, to everyone in the club – because this club belongs to the Champions League.
“We must do our best, as best we can, to fight to get where we want.”
After being free of injuries for almost his five-year stint at Madrid, Partey’s start to life at Arsenal has been hampered by niggles and knocks.
The 27-year-old has started just 11 games since moving to London and admits fans have yet to see the best for him.
“I think this is just the beginning,” he said.
“I’m starting to get used to how my friends play, how the Premier League goes and over time everything will be fine. I will do my best and do my job to make sure I am at my best.
“I had a few games, against Man United and against Wolves, I was able to show what I can do. Because of fewer games and less training, I have to keep working and I have to keep trying to get back to that level of achievement. ”