Arsene Wenger's men are locked in a battle with neighbours Tottenham as both seek to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, but could move five points clear of their rivals with victory at Wolves on Wednesday night.

And the Belgium defender knows just what it would mean to Arsenal supporters to finish above those from White Hart Lane.

He told the club's official website: "I have only been here for three years, but I know there is a big rivalry between Tottenham and Arsenal.

"I hear it every day on the streets. They ask us to be above Tottenham at the end of the season, but we can only look at ourselves and just play.

Main target

"If we win every game, we will finish on top of them, so that is what we will try to do.

"We play for third place, which gives us direct qualification for the Champions League. That is very important for the club, and is our main target at the moment."

Vermaelen believes that only a lack of consistency has prevented Arsenal from mounting a title challenge this season.

He added: "In some games we have shown a lot of quality, and we can compete with everybody.

"You have to be consistent in the league, and sometimes that's not been the case for us, but we will try to do that better next year. I am confident we can do that."