Arsenal legend Smith explains why Champions League football is ‘huge’ for Arteta’s side

Arsenal legend Alan Smith has explained why finishing in the top four would be “huge” for Mikel Arteta’s side heading into this summer.

The Gunners sit fourth in the Premier League with three games of the 2021/22 season remaining.

Arteta’s men are four points clear of their arch-rivals Spurs. The north London rivals face each other at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday.

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Antonio Conte replaced Nuno Espirito Santo back in November and Tottenham have fared well since then. The Italian has won 18 of his 33 games in charge across all competitions.

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Arsenal are going to be busy in the transfer market this summer. At least one new striker will be among their recruits.

Smith believes a top-four finish is integral for the Gunners heading into the summer:

“It’s huge. The Champions League means so much these days,” Smith told Sky Sports.

“There will be a lot of work to do in the summer for Arsenal. There will be a lot of work to do anyway, but if they can get into the Champions League, that should give them a stronger hand in terms of attracting players.

“However, they do need to strengthen that squad and strengthen the numbers because it is a small squad and once two or three players get injured, you are dicing a bit with the quality you have to field.

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