Hector Bellerin believes that a top three finish is crucial for Arsenal and that they can challenge on all fronts next season.

Speaking to Sky Sports New, the young Spaniard was predicting ‘big things’ from Arsenal next season, even mentioning that he thinks the side can challenge for the Premier League and Champions League.

Hailing the new arrivals who have joined the club recently, Bellerin doesn’t know if anyone new will be coming in but he doesn’t seem that bothered whether they do or not, a sign of the confidence the squad have in themselves – when they’re all fit, of course.

“It is really important [to get top three],” Bellerin said. “It will be a weight taken off our shoulders, because we have had to play in that game every year and sometimes, like last year in Besiktas, when we had to play away in Turkey, it is always hard conditions.

“I think with the second part of the season we have been doing really well and if we did not finish in the top three, it would be really disappointing for us. But I think the team has got it in us and we can get more points, starting this Sunday against Manchester.

“We beat them in the FA Cup, so I think we need to play the same type of game and stick together. We had a little accident against Swansea at home the other day, but we need to think about all the other games that we have played before that game, and we know that we have been doing great.”

“By the way we have played, especially since January, I think we have showed everyone that next year in this form, we can do big things – League, Champions League, whatever is in front of us – I think we can challenge for it.

“We have some great players – I am not sure if more players are coming in the summer – and I think the team feels way stronger than it was before. All the new players that have come in are now all together and every new signing is feeling like an important player, which is good.

“I think that we just need to finish the season on a high, so then hopefully we can pick up at the beginning of next season and start the league and the competitions with a bit more authority, which is something we did not do this season. And then hopefully it will not be too late, like this season.”

Bellerin has made 21 starts this season in all competitions and with three substitute appearances as well, I don’t think he could have ever dreamed he would see so much action.

Desperation may have forced him into the side, but he has more than earned his place with his performances.

A full interview with Hector will be shown in the build up to Arsenal’s game on Sunday at 3.30pm on Sky Sports News.