Defender Laurent Koscielny is well aware that he could be part of the first Arsenal side to miss out on Champions League football.

The Gunners need at least a draw when they take on West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns on Sunday to stay in the top four but a win would ensure third spot and a position in next season's top European competition.

The North London club have not missed the Champions League in 15 years and Frenchman Koscielny does not want to let that record slip.

"We know it is very important to qualify for the Champions league," he told Arsenal Player. "It is the best competition in Europe, and I want to play in it.

"Since Arsene Wenger was here, Arsenal have [almost] always qualified for the Champions League, so I don't want this to be the first team not to qualify.

"Every player wants to be in third place; it is very important for the squad, the Club, for everything. We must do it on the pitch to make sure we are in third place after Sunday's game."

 Click here to reach the No1 destination for hard news and exciting gossip on Arsenal