Alexandre Lacazette wants Arsenal to win the Europa League this season to help Arsene Wenger keep his job.

The Gunners were drawn against Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals of the competition on Friday morning. The first leg will take place at the Emirates Stadium on April 26, with Arsenal travelling to Madrid for the second leg on May 3.

Wenger's side progressed to the semi-finals after a nervy 2-2 draw against CSKA Moscow on Thursday ensured a 6-3 aggregate victory.

With Arsenal 13 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham in the Premier League, winning the Europa League represents the only viable route into next season's Champions League for the Gunners and Lacazette is determined to do it for Wenger.

CSKA Moscow midfielder Kristijan Bistrovic (L) is challenged by Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette

"It (winning the Europa League) can be the way to keep the manager because he did so much good for the club. We want to win trophies," said Lacazette.

"It will save our season because in the Premier League we are not doing well. Winning a cup would be good."

Failure to win the Europa League is likely to consign Arsenal to a second successive season out of the Champions League, after reaching the knockout stages of Europe's premier competition in 16 consecutive seasons prior to that.

Hector Bellerin and (R) Petr Cech of Arsenal after the UEFA Europa League quarter final leg two match between CSKA Moskva and Arsenal

Goalkeeper Petr Cech knows the chance to add another trophy to Arsenal's is important but also views winning the Europa League as a valuable opportunity to demonstrate that the squad is progressing under Wenger.

"You need to keep the progression," he replied when asked what winning a European trophy does for a team.

"You keep that not only on the pitch but by winning things. Obviously it will be very important for the club to finish the season with a European success and most importantly, if we can book the spot in the Champions League for next season.

"A club of Arsenal's size and history belongs in the Champions League. Hopefully we can progress another round and give it a shot in the final.

"We know this is our chance to book our Champions League spot but not only that, you play a European competition for a cup and for a cup the club has never won.

"This is another opportunity to add a great trophy to the cabinet."