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David Silva says winning the Champions League is his priority in order to complete a full set of silverware as a Manchester City player.

The Spaniard has won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and a League Cup since his arrival in England back in 2010, and now he wants European success to finalise a clean sweep of major honours as a Blue.

“If you ask me what I prefer, I prefer the Champions League,” he says. “It is the only trophy I haven't won in my career.

“I have won the Premier League twice. But when you think about it, we play the Premier League every week and it is the first title, the one we all want to win.”

Dynamo Kiev are City's opponents in the Champions League last 16 and the Blues now have a very real chance of going further than ever before in the competition.

“Of course it's better,” he says. “We got drawn last time with Barcelona and they are a very good team and win all the titles.

“If they don’t win it, they are always in there with a chance of winning it. But if you want to be champions you have to beat everybody and that includes them. You have to win, no matter who you play.”

City face Arsenal this evening looking to close the gap on leaders Leicester City who are currently six points clear of the Blues.

Manuel Pellegrini's side haven't won for four straight away league games, scoring just once during that run, with their title bid suffering as a consequence.

The Chilean said on Friday he sees tonight's fixture at the Emirates as “a game of six points,” with Arsenal, in his opinion, a direct title rival. It's a view Silva concurs with.

“Arsenal is clearly a very strong team. Leicester are playing very well, so both really are direct rivals.

“You can't discount Leicester because they are playing very well. They are confident and winning their games.

Silva has huge respect for Arsenal, a side he feels are ready to challenge for the title.

“They have some injuries and when they get them back they will be strong as well. I think they will challenge. They have everything they need.”

Mesut Ozil is seen as the Gunners' key man. He's registered 13 league assists already this term, making him statistically the most creative player in the country.

Many have compared him to Silva and the City man can see why.

“We are both midfielders, both left-footed and we thrive on assists. We have a lot of similarities, yes."

Ozil took time to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League but is excelling this season. He's a wonderful player, possessing a great touch, excellent vision and an intelligence that allows him to consistently pick the right option.

Silva, too, took a little while to make the transition when he arrived from La Liga but he says it's only natural.

“You always need time to adapt when you come here to a new league. But at this level you have to adapt very quickly. He’s a good player and found it easier than other players to adapt. He is doing a very good job this year.

See Silva surprise people at Manchester's Christmas Markets below.

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“It takes time to get there, and he’s getting there.

“In the beginning it took me about two months to adapt. But since then I’m getting better and better and things are going so well.”

City spent big this summer after a disappointing 2014-15 season, adding some much-needed pace and youth to their ranks.

Injuries have held them back somewhat, but there is a new edge to their attack, and topping their Champions League group for the first time in five attempts has perhaps already justified the outlay.

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Silva certainly feels the side has benefited.

“It's very pleasing that they are bringing in the quality like Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling,” he says. “They are young players, fresh players and they bring that into the pitch too.”

“Sterling is technically very gifted and he’s got a lot more to come. He’s going to make history.”

The return of Sergio Aguero is the big news ahead of Monday's match and Silva is as excited as the City fans.

“For me and everyone else because Aguero is a fantastic player and gives you things that others don’t.

“He does different things. But the reality is that people get injured and guys come in and have to fulfil that role and to be a great team. We have done it before and we can do it again.”

Anfi Ambassador David Silva was unveiled as a ‘Secret Santa’ in Manchester City centre this week, giving out christmas gift holidays to surprised local residents. Anfi is a five star resort in Gran Canaria .