Arsenal are desperate to ensure they finish in a top-three position on the Premier League table says Per Mertesacker.

The Gunners defeated Hull City 3-1 at the KC Stadium on Monday night to join Manchester City in second place on 70 points.

Arsenal have a game in hand on City while sitting five points clear of fourth-placed Manchester United meaning they are in a strong position to secure an automatic berth in the Champions League for next season.

"We want to qualify directly - that's the target after Chelsea won the league," said Mertesacker.

"We want to qualify directly and win the FA Cup. That's our approach."

Arsenal next meet Swansea City at the Emirates Stadium next Monday night.