Sead Kolasinac has admitted that going all the way in the Europa League is the only way Arsenal can salvage their disappointing campaign.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger conceded after his side's 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday that finishing in the top four of the Premier League is now 'nearly impossible'.
Arsenal have been beaten in each of their last four games in all competitions, two of those coming at the hands of Manchester City, and now face back-to-back campaigns outside of the Champions League unless they lift the Europa League in May.
Kolasinac has targeted success on the continent, starting with a return to winning ways in the first round of their last-16 tie against AC Milan on Thursday evening.
"It is a difficult situation for us," he told DAZN. "We did not play well in the two games against Manchester City. In some situations, we did not play bad. But honestly, we have to say that Manchester City have a phenomenal team, especially in their attack. Sometimes you have to admit that they are better or are in a better situation.
"They are first in the league with a huge gap to second. Naturally, they are playing different. But the atmosphere in our team has to be good and it is good as well, because we cannot bury our heads in the sand right now. On Thursday, we fly to Milan. We cannot bury our heads in the sand. We have to look forward and try to do better next time.
"My individual goal is to not lose another game this season, if it is possible. I think we have to play 10 or 11 more games. In these matches, we have to fight for every point. We definitely want to reach the final in this competition, because you can qualify for the Champions League if you win the Europa League. This should be our goal."
Arsenal, who last lost four matches in a row in 2002, follow up their trip to San Siro with a home match against Watford on Sunday.
Daniel Lewis
