Football: Arsenal boss Emery hints at potential departures, concedes Chelsea 'deserved to win' Europa League final

Unai Emery said his team Arsenal were still very much in a "process" and he would evaluate his options over the summer. PHOTO: REUTERS

BAKU (REUTERS) - Some players may need to leave Arsenal as he continues his bid to rebuild the squad, said manager Unai Emery after his men were thrashed 4-1 by Chelsea in the Europa League final on Wednesday (May 29).

Second-half goals from Olivier Giroud, Pedro and a double from Eden Hazard ensured Arsenal failed to win their fourth successive European final.

Emery said his team, who finished fifth in the Premier League, were still very much in a "process" and he would evaluate his options over the summer.

"We need to speak with the club, speak with the players, and do one step more in our way," he said.

"But our idea is to continue carrying on improving with the young players who arrived last year.

"Maybe some players need to leave, to take a new way. We are closer to the other teams. At the moment it's not enough, but we can continue with the same team next year.

"Other players will come in and help us get better in our capacity."

The defeat means Arsenal failed to earn a spot in next season's Champions League for the third successive season, but Emery said another Europa League campaign would not put off potential targets joining the club.

"I think Arsenal is a big name in the football world, and a lot of players want to play here," he added.

"The transfers, I don't know for next year. But the club is working to improve and to take all we need to go our way.

"Also we have a lot of players with the possibility to improve."

Emery, however, conceded that Chelsea had deserved the victory.

"We tried to stay in the match but their second goal made it difficult for us," he added. "It was going better for them and when we wanted to do something, we couldn't find what we needed to score. They deserved to win."

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