Gazidis says finishing fourth is not the pinnacle for Wenger’s side.
Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has reassured fans that qualification for the Champions League is not the limit of the club’s ambition.
The Gunners sealed qualification for UEFA’s premier club competition for the 16th consecutive season with a 1-0 win at Newcastle on Sunday.
Despite an astonishing run-in that saw Arsenal win eight and draw two Premier League games, the club went an eighth consecutive season without a trophy and critics have suggested that finishing fourth is the limit of boss Arsene Wenger’s ambition.
The players were criticised for their celebrations at St James’ Park after sealing the victory that ensured they remained one point above north London rivals Tottenham, who finished fifth.
Gazidis, however, has promised the Emirates Stadium faithful that the club wants to win major trophies in the coming seasons.
“Arsene and the team put together a remarkably strong and consistent run in the final stages of the season, a run of form of which we should all be proud,” he told the club’s official website.
“It is important to reiterate that for everyone at the club, qualification for the Champions League is not our ultimate ambition,” he added.
“Our majority owner Mr [Stan] Kroenke has made it clear that while it’s an achievement to make the Champions League our ultimate objective is to win the major trophies.
“We all share that clear ambition and will be driving the Club forward to achieve it. Arsene and I have already been planning what we need to do to strengthen so we are better placed next season.”
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