Arsenal leader Arsène Wenger has backed the Gunners being in a permanent Europa League arrangement with UEFA in a speech setting out his latest footballing philosophy.

The Frenchman said this would avoid the need for a hard border between Arsenal and the lower reaches of the Premier League, ensuring free-flowing trade for transfer business.

He said: “Next month, Arsenal will go to Milan to embark on the next phase of negotiations to leave the Europa League and return to the Champions League.

“But if we can’t win at home to an unpronounceable Swedish team, then let’s face it, we aren’t getting much joy at the San Siro.

“Today I would like to go on the record as baking a permanent Europa League arrangement with UEFA, contingent of course on consistent 6th place finishes on our part.

“If we sink any lower, this should enable increased trade with mid-to-lower-table Premier League clubs who have hitherto had no access to our star players.”