Wenger sets sights on Europe

Arsene Wenger has admitted it is time Arsenal became the champions of Europe.

The Gunners have been drawn in a Champions League group along with Borussia Dortmund of Germany, Auxerre of France, and Dutch club PSV Eindhoven.

While Arsenal boss Wenger accepted it was a tough group, he also insisted his team would be “up for it” and aiming to make sure this was their year.

“Of course it is time for Arsenal to win it because the club has been in existence for 130 years and has never won it,” said Wenger.

“I watched the draw yesterday and saw that we were in the top eight clubs in Europe, so we have made a big step forward from when I arrived here.

“We are in good company there, being among the top eight in Europe, and we have made a big step forward, but the next step is to win it.

“Our opponents will see us as a big team. It is a very difficult draw but we have one advantage – we know it, and we shall be up for it. If you are consistent then you go through.

“Twelve months ago we had some problems in the second group phase with away games, and unfortunately when I thought we had turned it around in Leverkusen we lost at home to La Coruna.

“It is very complex but overall we have gathered experience with every season and the team looks mature enough to do well in this competition.

“I believe we can be proud of what we have achieved in the last four years, but it is never good enough. We want to do more, and to do more we need to win it.

“It is difficult, but in my opinion it is achievable.”

Arsenal open their Champions League campaign at home to Dortmund on September 17, but their immediate concern is Sunday’s London derby at Chelsea.

Dutch striker Dennis Bergkamp is ruled out with a calf injury, while midfielder Patrick Vieira is rated as 50-50, also with a calf problem.

Kanu is again in line to replace Bergkamp at Stamford Bridge and although Francis Jeffers is now close to full fitness after an ankle problem, he is not in Wenger’s squad for the match.

Ray Parlour is expected to be fit after treatment to a leg injury, while defender Pascal Cygan should be back in contention soon after a groin problem. Robert Pires, Fredrik Ljungberg and Giovanni van

Bronckhorst are still long-term absentees.