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Mikel Arteta can ‘still land top targets’ at the Emirates

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Arsenal can still land their top targets this summer despite missing out on Champions League qualification, as stated by Daily Express reporter Ryan Taylor.

The Gunners were unfortunately beaten to the last top-four spot by north London rivals Tottenham, meaning Mikel Arteta’s men will have to settle for a place in the Europa League next season.

Disappointing defeats to Spurs and Newcastle United damaged the club’s chances of securing their first Champions League qualification since the 2015/16 campaign.

As a result, there are doubts about whether the club can still acquire their top summer targets this summer, with elite player coveting the attention and platform the Champions League provides.

Two players who Arsenal have been strongly linked with in recent weeks are Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus and Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans.

Jesus’ agent Marcelo Pettinati confirmed to Fabrizio Romano earlier this month that he had held discussions with the Emirates outfit over a potential transfer for his client.

Regarding Tielemans, talkSPORT claimed Arsenal were confident of wrapping up a deal for the Belgian, though that was before they lost their top-four spot to Antonio Conte’s side.

Despite failing to secure a place in next season’s Champions League, Taylor still thinks Arsenal can sign their top targets.

When asked by GIVEMESPORT if missing out on the top four will impact the Gunners’ transfer plans, the Daily Express journalist said“100%, but I still think Arsenal have the pulling power and capability really to still land their top targets.

“Obviously, although they can’t offer Champions League football, it looks like Mikel Arteta has certainly got them moving in the right direction. And I think the kind of project he’s got there will be used as the sales pitch when speaking with players’ representatives.”

Our thoughts…

The Gunners are set to lose both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah when their contracts expire next month, so they need to bring in at least one centre-forward this summer like Jesus.

The Brazilian is Premier League proven and looks to be available after City’s decision to sign Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund, so he is a very logical target to have.

As for Tielemans, he represents a good chance to bring in a talented midfielder for a decent fee.

The 25-year-old, who recorded the third-highest SofaScore rating of outfield players in Leicester’s squad this season, is out of contract next year, meaning he should not cost Arsenal too much money if they decide to sign him in the upcoming window.

Both players who are of Champions League-quality could significantly boost Arteta’s squad this summer, so the north London outfit must certainly do all they can to persuade both stars to join the exciting Emirates project.

AND in other news, £19.8m-rated Arsenal target who is a “special talent” close to signing new deal…

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