You can expect Mikel Arteta to be backed in the transfer market as the Gunners look to build on progress made this season as Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke is reportedly sanctioning a large budge for the club to significantly invest in their squad this summer even if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, according to the latest reports.
The Gunners were summarily humiliated at St James’ Park on Monday night coming away with a grossly disappointing 2-0 defeat on Tyneside. The loss sees their north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur now occupying fourth position heading into the final day. Although only two points ahead of the Gunners, they’re playing already relegated Norwich City, whom they’re expected to beat without much fuss, if any.
As Arsenal look set to miss out on Champions League qualification, fans are disconcerted that top players would not be drawn to the club heading into the summer transfer market. However this may not appear to be the case if reports are to be believed as owner Stan Kroenke is planning on investing in the current squad.
The Telegraph reports that failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League won’t prevent the club from investing heavily in the first-team squad this summer, with Mikel Arteta desperate to recruit a handful of quality additions to his young team. Qualification would’ve given them more financial firepower, but the report adds that they will still have a meaningful budget to work with despite their financial difficulties in recent years.
football.london has it that several players are being targeted ahead of the transfer window with the summer rebuild job at Arsenal. Arteta’s targets include a marquee signing in Man City’s Gabriel Jesus, with the blessings of his former boss Pep Guardiola, which accounts for why the Gunners are confident of landing his signature. Arsenal first made enquiries for Jesus in November with Edu maintaining a close relationship with the player’s agent and the City forward himself, not to mention Guardiola himself also giving the nod.
They’re interested in signing Bologna left back Aaron Hickey following his impressive performances in Serie A. Arteta wants a versatile left-sided defender to bolster his defence this season, with Kierab Tierney currently on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery, while Takehiro Tomiyasu was forced off injured in the defeat at Newcastle on Monday night, having only recently returned to action following calf issues.
The Gunners have already agreed to sign Sao Paulo winger Marquinhos for a fee in the region of £3million. The 19-year-old will join the club this summer after extensive talks with Edu. Meanwhile, Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans has also been targeted and it is vital that the youngest squad in the Premier League strengthen their squad with more experience.
Arsenal’s summer plans are testament to how much the board believes in Arteta and his vision. If they get things right in the market, the Gunners will be able to push on next season.