Arsenal newcomer Henrikh Mkhitaryan believes English clubs have started to take the UEFA Europa League more seriously in recent years, but stressed his team's primary objective is to qualify for the Champions League with a top-four finish in the Premier League.

The Gunners are currently sixth in the English table, seven points behind fifth-placed rival Tottenham and eight points behind fourth-placed Chelsea over the course of 27 games.

Armenia international Mkhitaryan could earn his second Europa League title in a row, having won the 2016-17 edition while at Manchester United, but he is focusing on domestic results first and foremost.

"Of course, (the Europa League) is very important, but I wouldn't say we stop ourselves from saying we are going to compete in the top four," Mkhitaryan said, as quoted by ESPN FC. "We are still in the competition because (in) the English Premier League, anything is possible.

"Maybe sometimes, teams can lose two, three times in a row and we win our games so anything is possible. We are trying to win every game in every competition and, of course, we will be glad if we can win the Europa League as well, but if we can be in the top four, it will be even better."

Winning the Europa League may be seen as a consolation prize for clubs like Arsenal, who usually contend for the Champions League each season. However, after a spot in Europe's elite continental competition was denied to the Gunners last season, winning the Europa League carries another incentive - a berth in next season's Champions League.

Whether with that ticket or through a top-four finish, Mkhitaryan says Arsenal is gunning for that booking.

"Last season, they (Arsenal) couldn't get their place for Champions League, so they play in the Europa League," Mkhitaryan explained. "We don't want to repeat last season, so we are trying to fight to get our place in the Champions League.

"Maybe (English clubs take it more seriously) because you can have a place in the Champions League, winning the Europa League - I don't know, but maybe it's just a way people want to win trophies."