Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira says the club deserve to be in the Champions League next season.

The Gunners have failed to qualify for Europe's premier club competition for the past two seasons and are currently sixth, three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

"Just a few weeks ago, (Manchester) United were obviously behind us but it's happened and it's something we have to deal with," the 22-year-old told Sky Sports News.

"We obviously don't want that form to happen again. As players, you always need to be fighting for an objective when you walk out onto the pitch and for us that means qualifying for the Champions League.

"We know it's not going to be easy, that's for sure, because we are up against some great teams such as Chelsea and Manchester United but we need to try and stand firm as a team and as a group and battle in every game.

"The squad is focused on qualifying for the Champions League because a big club like Arsenal deserves to be playing in that competition."