Arsenal will not finish in the top four this season, according to Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson.

The Ex-Gunner believes that Unai Emery’s side should be satisfied with a top six finish in the Premier League, while also having a go at winning the Europa League. He thinks finishing fifth would be a great achievement in the new manager’s first season at the club. He told talkSPORT (quotes via the Daily Star):

“I think sixth. If they come fifth I think they would have had a right result – I think that would be brilliant. And I think they’ll go for the Europa League too. I think this manager likes it, foreign managers like this competition and why not?”

“Arsenal haven’t won a European trophy since 1994. They’re not going to win the Premier League, so why not have a go at it?”

Arsenal will face Sporting Lisbon, Azerbaijan side Qarabag and little-known Ukrainian outfit FC Vorskla in the group stages of the Europa League this season, which looks to be a pretty winnable group.

Gunners boss Emery won three consecutive Europa Leagues when he was the manager at Sevilla, and Arsenal fans will be hoping he will use that valuable knowledge this season.

Any commitment to winning their first continental competition in 24 years would likely impact their domestic form, but it could offer a way back into the Champions League for the London club.

Winners of the tournament are automatically named in the group stages of Europe’s premier competition the following season.