Even in the absence of European football, Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal would still be able to attract world-class players.
Mikel Arteta does not believe a lack of European football will dent Arsenal’s attempts to sign new players this summer.
Arsenal, who travel to Chelsea on Wednesday night, are currently sat ninth in the Premier League and are due to miss out on qualifying for Europe next season for the first time in 25 years.
The Gunners crashed out of the Europa League last week, losing to their old boss Unai Emery’s Villarreal side in the semi-finals, and Arteta wants to overhaul his squad this summer.
Arsenal are currently tracking a number of players ahead of the transfer window, including Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma and Norwich right-back Max Aarons.
The club are also long-term admirers of Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard, who is ready to leave Scotland this summer for a new challenge.
It was feared, however, that a lack of European football could impact Arsenal being able to land the transfer targets they want.
But Arteta said to Sky Sports: “Every player that we have been linked with, or we had some communication with, I haven’t seen one that was refusing to come here.
“[It’s] completely the opposite. Everybody is very willing to join our club.”
Arteta is under pressure from supporters, who are frustrated by the club’s disappointing season – particularly after they won the FA Cup last year.
The Spaniard is determined to turn things around and wants players to join Arsenal because they want to play for the club; not because they want to play in Europe.
“That’s a really good point and as well we have to take the club to where we want,” said Arteta.
“In order to do that, you have to be willing to accept the situation that we have today to achieve what we want in the future.”
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