John Hartson believes Arsenal must win the Europa League if they want to qualify for the Champions League.

The former striker believes that Arsenal will find it tough breaking back into the top four due to the heavy spending of their rivals.

As such, he feels we should follow Manchester United’s example and qualify by winning the Europa League.

“I think a top-four place is a big ask for Arsenal, I really do think that. What with Manchester City spending so big, Liverpool as well,” Hartson told The Daily Star.

“Chelsea, and Manchester United under Jose Mourinho of course, are a lot of people’s favourites for the title.

“But Arsenal can adopt Manchester United’s attitude to the Europa League last season.

“Mourinho said from the outset he thought it was the best way in for United – he was almost telepathic how he called that.

“Ajax hadn’t won an away game all the way through the competition, so it was almost as if United absolutely breezed the final it in a strange type of way.

“United had a couple of tricky away games, but they won it at a canter. I think Arsenal have to take it seriously.

“In the Europa League, they’re probably favourites to win it behind AC Milan.”

Arsenal were one of the few Premier League clubs to make a profit in the transfer market last summer. They also brought in fewer players than the rest of the top six.

However, the top six as a whole is still flawed. For all the spending, there are familiar weaknesses on show. Arsenal are capable of finishing in the top four again.

That said, it should be a case of wait and see.

Arsenal could give up on the Europa League if they’re several points clear at the top of the table by the time the knock-out rounds come along. Similarly, the competition could become a lot more important if we’re struggling down in sixth.

As United proved last season, winning the Europa League can be a very handy escape from a poor league finish.