Shkodran Mustafi insists former club Arsenal are already champions this season.

Now with Levante, Mustafi says qualifying for the Champions League is a huge achievement for the Gunners.

He said, "Arsenal have not played in the Champions League since Arsene Wenger left the club. In my opinion, it is much more important that the club is on the path of positive development under the leadership of (Mikel) Arteta. This is more important than perhaps the only victory in the league.

"Leicester won the title in 2016 but failed to build on the success. I think Arsenal have already won the title by qualifying for the Champions League. Of course, they would like to win the championship, especially after such a season.

"But the goal of the club should be to stay at the top for several years, and not just win the Premier League once."