Unai Emery believes Arsenal need to strengthen in order to return to the Champions Leauge

Unai Emery's Arsenal fell to a 4-1 defeat to Chelsea in the Europa League final Credit: PA

Unai Emery has admitted Arsenal will need new recruits to return to the Champions League.

Arsenal were thumped 4-1 by an Eden Hazard-inspired Chelsea in the Europa League final in Baku, leaving the Emirates Stadium men facing a third straight season away from Europe's top table.

The Gunners boss admitted failing to qualify for next term's Champions League could limit the club's transfer options, but backed his men to step up next term.

"I think it's not the moment to speak about that, we need to speak with the club and the players," said Emery.

"We need to take one step more in our way, but our idea is to continue to carry on our improvement with the young players that arrived last year.

"Maybe some players need to leave for us to take a new way.

Arsenal players left disappointed at defeat to Chelsea Credit: PA

"But it's not the moment to speak about that. I am very proud of our work.

"I think the players did all we can to achieve our target, and we are closer to the other teams, but at the moment it's not enough.

"We can continue with the same team but also some players will come and help us get better."

Asked if failing to qualify for the Champions League will dent Arsenal's recruitment drive, Emery said: "Maybe, but I think we are a big team, and I think Arsenal is a big name in the football world and a lot of players want to play here.

"We are in one process and we need in this process to be strong in our idea, strong in our way, and that's the reason why we started this season to get more competitive like a team, get closer to the other teams.

"And we've done that.

"At the moment it's not enough for our target, but the next week, the next year, we'll continue with that in mind.

"The club is working to improve also and to take all we need to improve and to do our way.

"And also we have a lot of players with the possibility to improve and grow up with us.

Joe Willock replaces Mesut Ozil in the Europa League final Credit: PA

"I am positive for our future, creating our way and getting better in our way.

"We have good, big players with experience and some young players.

"Next year with this experience behind us we'll take even more.

"I think this year we've used to be closer to the other teams.

"But next year we need the same players, the same idea, maybe also to add some new players to give us some situations we can improve.

"But it's the same way as this year, just to take one more step.

"A lot of players who have played their first year with us can get better and give more in performance for us."