Aaron Ramsey turns up the heat ahead of make-or-break AC Milan second leg

The Gunners lead their Europa League last 16 tie 2-0 from the first leg

Aaron Ramsey knows the second leg could make or break Arsenal's season (Arsenal FC)

Aaron Ramsey has admitted the Europa League is now Arsenal's best chance of qualifying for next season's Champions League, putting added emphasis on Thursday's round-of-16 second leg against AC Milan.

Recent results in the Premier League have left Arsenal 12 points adrift of the top four, but there is hope in the Europa League, as they lead the tie against Milan 2-0 from the first leg.

"It is a massive opportunity for us so it's something we've got to be prepared to give everything for to try to achieve this," Ramsey said in Wednesday's press conference. "This game is very important for us and our season."

Aaron Ramsey was on the scoresheet a week ago (Getty)

Arsenal won with goals from Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Ramsey in an impressive performance in Italy last week, but Ramsey said that would not matter in the second leg.

"We saw how good they are," he said. "We can't take our foot off the gas. It's important we treat it as 0-0 and go out there for the win."

Manager Arsene Wenger said he had a full squad of players to choose from with the exception of Alexandre Lacazette, who is out with a knee problem.

The Frenchman was also asked about Jack Wilshere, who is said to be ready to leave the club in the summer with contract negotiations at a standstill.

"On my side nothing has changed," Wenger said. "Jack will be free at the end of the season. We have made a proposal to him and I want him to stay and be linked with the club for the future. I hope he will do it."