Forward says Arsenal is currently the best team in Europe

Arsenal forward, Theo Walcott claims that the club has been the best in Europe since the turn of the year.

Arsenal has lost just three matches since Thursday, January 1 which have seen them climb up the English Premier League table and launch a late assault on the title.

Walcott who has been a bit-part player in the squad believes Arsenal can win the title next season because of their form since the turn of the year.

"There"s a lot of competition for places, so everyone seems to lift a gear and play extremely well," he said in an interview with Arsenal.com.

"I think, especially this season, not many people thought we'd be second and challenging for the Premier League.

"In this calendar year, we've been the best team in Europe. It's the strongest the squad has been and everyone is staying fit as well.

"There aren't many injuries in the squad, which is important. If we had an injury-free season, I think we could lift the title."

Arsenal look set to have secured one of the UEFA Champions League spots and will look to finish the season with a trophy as they face Aston Villa in the final of the FA Cup in May.