Arsene Wenger has pledged supporters that the Gunners will be proactively looking to strengthen in the summer transfer window after guaranteeing a fourth place finish with a 1-0 win over Newcastle United at St. James' Park on the final day of the season. The Gunners had to win to secure a 16<sup>th consecutive entry into Europe's biggest tournament and Laurent Koscielny's acrobatic goal in the 52<sup>nd minute sealed three massive points for the North London club.

Arsene Wenger
Reuters

"The last three months is a springboard for next season. We have to transfer that belief into the start of next season, we need stability and to strengthen. Is it spending a lot on one player or buying many players? We want additions but we want to keep the structure and spirit and quality of the team. But let's not forget there are many clubs with big money and maybe not enough talent to strengthen all the teams. But we will go out in a proactive way," he said.

The manager hailed the team for their performance in the run-in, with the Gunners taking 26 points from a possible 30 in their last 10 games. This is the second season in a row that Arsenal have been able to get the better of Tottenham and have once again managed to overturn a seven point deficit over their bitter rivals. Wenger believes that getting into the Champions League marks an important step in their journey to gain silverware, as it will attract world class players to the Emirates.

"We want to win silverware but we have shown the consistency to get in the Champions League. We needed to be resilient because we played against very strong Tottenham and Everton sides and we needed to be special to beat them. It means we can play with the top teams in Europe and it is easier to bring in players when you are in the Champions League."

"I have had many, many groups in my life and this is one of the best. Their attitude is great, the way they behave and focus in training every day, they have outstanding quality and an attitude I really admire in the modern game. We have faced many storms and that is why I always felt we would come right," he added.

The Gunners are already close to sealing a deal for Auxerre striker Yaya Sanogo as confirmed by Arsene Wenger in his press conference earlier this month.

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