Gabriel Jesus and Youri Tielemans may reject a move to Arsenal this summer as they look set to miss out on the Champions League, according to Gabby Agbonlahor…
THE LOWDOWN: SIGNIFICANT FUNDS
Defeat at Newcastle United on Monday night all but ended Arsenal’s hopes of finishing in the top four, with Arteta’s side now reliant upon Tottenham Hotspur losing at relegated Norwich City this weekend.
After being ahead of Antonio Conte’s side for much of this season it appears Arsenal will miss out on a Champions League place and the vital revenue the competition generates.
However, according to The Telegraph, bosses at the Emirates are planning to supply Arteta with a significant transfer budget regardless of whether they clinch the top-four or not.
Mikel Arteta is expected to sign at least one striker in the summer with Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus heavily linked with a move to the Emirates.
Meanwhile, Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans is also said to be close to agreeing a deal to move to north London hinging on whether Arteta’s men finish in the top four.
However, the ex-Aston Villa and England striker claimed the Gunners may not finish in the top four for the next five or six seasons as the teams below them will all improve.
THE LATEST: TOUGH ASK
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Agbonlahor said:
“It’s going to be a tough ask now for Arsenal.
“I can’t see Arsenal playing Champions League football for five or six years now. They’ll be playing Thursday then Sunday and that will take it out of that squad of players.
“They’re not going to attract the players either. Gabriel Jesus won’t touch Arsenal with a barge pole now, Tielemans will be umming and erring too. It’s going to cost them in the transfer market.
“Newcastle are going to buy players, Spurs are going to attract players with the Champions League, Leicester are going to improve on their poor season because they won’t be in Europe and Man United are going to improve.
“It’s going to be very difficult for Arsenal and I’m sure all their fans will agree.”
THE VERDICT: HUGE BLOW
It will indeed be a huge blow to Arteta and the whole club if they don’t make the Champions League come the end of their encounter against Everton on Sunday evening.
In what’s been a worrying and disappointing trend since the 2015/16 campaign, the club have simply struggled to stake their claim amongst the top sides on the continent.
Qualifying for such a prestigious and elite competition could well have provided the north London outfit with the resources and pedigree to attract top class players such as Jesus and Tielemans.
The former Manchester City coach will be hoping and praying he can still convince such decorated performers to join his revolution at the Emirates providing they ultimately don’t make the Champions League cut.
AND in other news, Arsenal offered chance to sign injury prone £263k-per-week star, keep Saliba instead – opinion…