Mikel Arteta has been given yet another incentive to ensure European football is back at the Emirates next season following a transfer update delivered to a fellow Premier League side.
The Telegraph is reporting that Newcastle United are ready to accept defeat in the race to sign Benfica forward Darwin Nunez after feedback they received from the player's representatives suggested he does not want to play for a club that is not in European competition.
As a result, The Magpies are set to move on to other targets with Brentford's Ivan Toney on the radar according to the report. football.london understands Arsenal are tracking Nunez ahead of a potential move this summer, but it's becoming even more apparent that it won't be a straightforward deal to wrap up.
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With 33 goals to his name this season, the Uruguayan is establishing himself as one of the hottest prospects currently in football and has subsequently attracted interest from several top clubs in Europe. Various reports suggest it will take a fee in the region of £65m to secure his services, although it would be no surprise to see that rise even further over the coming months.
The Gunners find themselves in the middle of an ongoing battle for a top-four spot this season, but three consecutive defeats have seen them slip down to sixth while north London rivals Tottenham sit three points ahead in fourth. Champions League football is the ultimate target for any club and player, so it's safe to assume that those who qualify for the competition instantly have a slight advantage when it comes to attracting the biggest talents.
A lot can still happen with seven league games remaining for the Gunners, who are preparing to face Chelsea for their game in hand on Wednesday evening. They then welcome Manchester United to the Emirates on Saturday, concluding a huge week that could make or break their chances of achieving a top-four finish.
Nunez's response to Newcastle leaves Arteta with a small sense of hope even if his side doesn't return to the biggest European stage of all next season, with the Europa League still an attractive proposition for many. However, a 6th place finish and UEFA Europa Conference League participation would not likely be enough to convince the 22-year-old that Arsenal is the right place for him.
football.london also understands two forwards feature on the club's summer shopping list, with Nunez one of several names being considered. Victor Osimhen, Jonathan David, Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have all been linked, so rest assured the options aren't limited if things don't progress.
