Kieran Gibbs is naturally pleased that Arsenal have clinched a place in the UEFA Champions League, but he is desperate to add some silverware to the cabinet.
A Laurent Koscielny goal at Newcastle United was enough to secure three points on the final day of the season, and in doing so, this ensured Tottenham Hotspur were unable to overtake them in fourth position. This was a huge relief for Arsene Wenger and his players, who at one point in the campaign were seven points adrift of their neighbours.
On the trophy front, though, it is another fruitless season at the Emirates Stadium.
Having been humbled by lower league opposition in both the FA Cup and League Cup, the Londoners were eliminated from the Champions League at the second round stage by eventual finalists Bayern Munich. This means they have now gone eight years without winning silverware, and this is something Gibbs is eager to put right next season.
“We haven’t shown it consistently enough in the cups and the league, but you have seen many glimpses of what the team are capable of,” the 23-year-old fullback told the London Evening Standard. “We have to focus on every detail to give ourselves the best chance to produce something because we are desperate to win a trophy.”
Now that Arsenal have earned another stab at the Champions League and the riches which come with the competition, Wenger can target some big names during the summer. Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic, rated at £20million, is believed to be amongst his priority signings, whilst young French forward Yaya Sanogo is expected to link up from Auxerre.
“Finishing in the top four means we are capable of playing with the top teams in Europe. That is what you want,” said Wenger. “It means as well it is easier to bring in players when you have a chance to be in the Champions League. Let us not forget, we are not in yet. We have to qualify. That is always a very tricky round for us. At least we have a chance.”
