Arsenal return to European action against Sporting CP on Thursday as their Europa League campaign resumes. The Gunners have not featured in the competition since November after sailing through the group stage with little trouble.
Mikel Arteta's side secured their passage in the last-16 with five wins in six games, losing only to PSV Eindhoven. Winning the group meant the north Londoners avoided a two-legged knockout play-off in February.
While the Gunners continue to pursue their first Premier League title since 2004, focus now turns to Liga NOS outfit Sporting CP. The Portuguese side have undergone a difficult campaign in all but will provide a sturdy test for Arteta's side over the two legs.
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Ruben Amorim's men are currently fourth in the Portugal Premier League, 15 points behind leaders and rivals SL Benfica. They dropped into the Europa League after finishing third in their Champions League group containing Tottenham, Eintracht Frankfurt and Marseille before setting-up a tie with Arsenal after defeating Midtjylland 5-1 on aggregate.
The Europa League isn't the competition the Gunners want to become regulars in, certainly in the years to come. But the second-tier European tournament does provide an attractive financial windfall that Stan Kroenke will be licking his lips at the prospect of.
Last season's fifth-place finish in the Premier League meant Arsenal pocketed £3.3million straight off the bat - an almighty difference to the £13.4m Champions League clubs get for reaching the group stage.
Clubs earn £572k for each win and £994k for winning the group, meaning the Gunners cashed in on £4.9m from their five wins earlier in the tournament and qualification to the last-16.
Should Arteta steer the club to the quarter-finals, an additional £1.6m will be made followed by £2.5m should they reach the semi-final. Overcoming all potential opponents to lift a first-ever European trophy will add an extra £7.8m meaning, in total, Kroenke will be due to receive £20.1m in total.
The overall prize money from the competition, perhaps, may not be the highest figure. Compared to the possible input of millions clubs in the Champions League could receive for lifting the trophy (£70.9m), the £20m recoup is a testament to the importance of qualifying for Europe's prestigious competition.
However, the possible income at the end of the season could be beneficial in Kroenke granting any transfer wishes demanded by Arteta and Edu. While the Premier League remains the priority, the Europa League does provide its benefits.
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