New Arsenal boss Unai Emery has quickly earmarked a return to Champions League football as a vital target in his rebuilding at the Emirates.

The Gunners missed out on top-four finishes in the Premier League in each of Arsene Wenger’s last two terms in charge and this season they also lost a Europa League semi-final against eventual winners Atletico Madrid as they chased a back-door entry into the elite for next term.

Emery was announced as Wenger’s successor at the Emirates on Wednesday following the Frenchman’s departure after 22 years.

A return to Europe’s elite is high on the list for the ex-Paris St-Germain boss.

“Our objective is to be among the best teams in Europe, to win titles and to be in the elite of European teams,” he said.

“I also want the team to make the fans proud. I know they are already and I want them to be even more so.

“I believe in the players who are here. The objective is to work hard together.”

Arsenal’s trophy haul over the last decade has been limited to three FA Cups, with Wenger’s final years passing without a sustained challenge for the Premier League title. Emery says he intends to make Arsenal more competitive on all fronts.

“All the titles are important for us. I think we can be and we want to be a candidate for them.

“I don’t promise today we will win but I can promise you we will work hard and we will work together. We will transmit our emotion and we will fight for the objectives.”

He also said he plans to talk to every member of the squad face-to-face to determine their futures. Arsenal are 26.00 to win the Premier League next season.