Arsenal fans can heave a sigh of relief as the latest reports suggest that owner Stan Kroenke would not shy away from spending big in the upcoming summer transfer window, despite the Gunners failing to qualify for the Champions League for next season.
Before winning 5-1 against Everton in their last game of the 21/22 campaign, Arsenal lost two consecutive away games. These include a 3-0 derby thrashing against Tottenham and a humiliating 2-0 loss at St James’ Park to Newcastle. This derailed the Gunners’ objective to achieve a top-four finish.
Due to the back-to-back losses, the Gunners finished fifth on 69 points while Spurs qualified for the premier European competition with 71 points. Antonio Conte’s men won the final game against Norwich, as expected, leaving Arsenal with just Europa League qualification.
Thus, the fans feared that no top players would be inclined to join their side with no Champions League football. However, fresh reports indicate they do not need to worry much as Stan Kroenke is expected to back Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta in the summer irrespective of the club’s final league position.
According to The Telegraph (via Football.London), Arsenal’s failure to qualify for the premier European football competition will not discourage the club from backing Arteta for the upcoming season. The board plans to invest heavily in their young first-team squad for their shortcomings this season.
Owner Stan Kroenke has reportedly sanctioned a large budget for the club. No doubt a top-four finish would have ensured more economic freedom for the Gunners, but the report suggests they will not face many issues despite some financial problems in recent years. Strong and reliable reports have claimed that the Gunners are planning for a summer rebuild.
The Londoners were linked with a number of high profile players even before the season had ended. One of the players on the manager’s wishlist is Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus, with the club confident of signing the forward as the Cityzens have reached an agreement to sign Erling Haaland from Dortmund. The Gunners first enquired about the player back in November, with Edu maintaining contacts with Jesus and his agent.
Pep Guardiola and Brazil manager Tite have both called Gabriel Jesus the best pressing forward in the world.
The #MCFC striker tops Arsenal’s transfer priority list 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/Pyge6gizSd
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) May 24, 2022
Besides this, Arsenal have already reached an agreement to bring in Sao Paulo winger Marquinhos. The 19-year-old winger would cost around just £3million, with his contract ending at the end of this month. Edu played a major role in holding talks and convincing the Brazilian club to accept the club’s offer.
The Gunners are also keeping tabs on Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans, as Arteta’s young squad requires some experienced players. Besides bolstering their attack and midfield, Arsenal are also interested in signing a versatile left-sided defender. Bologna left-back Aaron Hickey is reportedly a target for the club, following an impressive season with the Serie A club.
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The North London side are reeling at the back, with Kieran Tierney undergoing knee surgery and Takehiro Tomiyasu injured again while playing against Newcastle. The Japanese international had only recently returned after his calf injury issues.
Such high ambition from the club speaks volumes about how much the board is willing to back Arteta and his vision. If they can pull off their summer transfer plans properly, nobody can stop Arsenal from pushing for top trophies next season. This news will definitely lift the spirits of the fans amid the disappointment of missing out on top-four in the Premier League.
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