Arsenal ambitions go beyond semi finals says Arteta

LONDON - Arsenal have ambitions that extend well beyond reaching the Champions League semi-finals, coach Mikel Arteta said on Monday ahead of the first leg of their last-four tie against French champions Paris St Germain.

Arsenal produced an inspired display to knock out holders and record 15-times winners Real Madrid in the quarter-finals 5-1 on aggregate.

We have overcome a lot of issues and challenges this season, and the fact that the team is here as one of the best four teams in Europe, it says (a lot) about the mindset, the spirit and how much we really want it, Arteta told reporters.

We are making history, and its a beautiful story right now, but we want more.

It will be Arsenals third Champions League semi-final appearance and their first since they faced Manchester United in 2009.

The players are really resonating with what we are doing, and they feel like we can face these guys and be better than them, Arteta said.

Thats the feeling we had against Madrid and in the previous rounds, and thats how we feel today. I look them in the eyes and they cant wait to play tomorrow, thats the feeling.

Arsenal, unbeaten for more than two months across all competitions, will hope to repeat their 2-0 win over PSG in the league phase in October.

I loved (our) presence, how we went out there, our body language, the intensity, how aggressive we were, Arteta said.

We played with real belief and determination, and when youre facing big opponents, immediately you need to put a game into that context.

PSG travel to London on the back off their first league defeat of the season when they were beaten 3-1 at home by Nice on Friday.

Arsenal will be without midfielder Thomas Partey, who serves