Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hinted that his side are on the verge of challenging for European honours.
The Gunners have never won the Champions League, coming closest when they reached the final in 2006, and only have a solitary FA Cup in their trophy cabinet from the last 10 years.
However, Wenger has heavily invested in the squad in recent seasons, and he believes that the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud could help the club to go far in the competition.
"Now it is more difficult than 10 or 15 years ago because there are more candidates, especially more in England. But it is a cup competition, that means belief, commitment and being in a good period when you play the game," Wenger is quoted as saying by PA.
"I believe yes we are in a better shape. Mentally as well, I am convinced of that. I look around Europe today and there are 10 teams who believe they can win it, so let us just focus on ourselves. I do not question the hunger. It is more belief.
"We feel as a team that we are on the way up and we can use the Champions League to confirm that."
The Gunners will face Monaco in the last 16 of this season's competition as they look to progress to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2010.
Barney Corkhill
