It was a painful moment when Tottenham qualified for the Champions League ahead of Arsenal despite the Gunners leading the way for the majority of the season. The immediate concern was not about missing out on the elite European tournament, but the impact to the Gunners’ summer plans.
However, this has quickly changed despite some early Antonio Conte classic recruitment. Arsenal have watched Ivan Perisic join the club to strengthen the attacking line, but the 33-year-old will experience Premier League football for the first time in his twilight years.
Gabriel Jesus was a player that was of interest to Tottenham however Arsenal moved swiftly and well ahead of the window to position themselves strongly for the Brazilian. With that, football.london understands that they will not make a bid for the player.
READ MORE: Gabriel Jesus, Raphinha and Youri Tielemans: Arsenal transfer timeline for summer signings
The second player is Raphinha. The Leeds United man is on the market this summer and after Barcelona’s interest in the winger waned due to their tricky financial position, again Arsenal moved swiftly to try and lead the race.
Tottenham are interested and have reportedly reached out to the northern side to inform them of their intention to make a bid, although The Athletic have reported the Gunners are preferred to Spurs at this stage, behind both Chelsea and the aforementioned Barcelona.
With one Premier League star close to a Gunners switch and the red and white half of north London said to be a preference for Raphinha over Spurs, it currently looks as though the fears of missing out on the Champions League could have been exaggerated. Despite their participation and possession of one of the world’s top coaches, Arsenal have the edge in the market.
Not to mention the swift and secret signing of Fabio Vieira. It was reported by Correio da Manhã via Sport Witness that Tottenham and Man United had been ‘following’ the player.
However, it was Arsenal that were able to slide under the radar, agree on a deal with the player and Porto and sign the 22-year-old star ahead of the new season. A move that might have just shocked those behind the scenes across north London.
What we can learn from this is despite several seasons of finishing above the Gunners, even with the appointment of Antonio Conte and the presence of world-class players like Harry Kane and Heung-min Son, when it comes down to it the Gunners still have the edge. The club’s history, stature and place in the footballing world continue to work in Arsenal’s favour in the market.
Spurs are further linked with the likes of Djed Spence and Richarlison. Names that might not be enough to worry their neighbours.
But should Arsenal add Jesus, Raphinha, and Lisandro Martinez to the already captured Fabio Vieira, Marquinhos and Matt Turner then all of a sudden the Arsenal squad is looking significantly stronger. A challenge for the top four will again spark and the Gunners will want to avenge their unfortunate miss in the prior campaign, but this time around the armoury will be far stronger with its stock.
READ MORE: Fabio Vieira leads Arsenal's strengthening strategy aiming for Raphinha and Lisandro Martinez
READ MORE: Fabian Ruiz, Oleksandr Zinchenko: Four Youri Tielemans transfer alternatives Arsenal could sign
READ MORE: Albert Sambi Lokonga set for Arsenal stay amid loan talk and Youri Tielemans transfer interest
READ MORE: Arsenal's transfer plan is clear as anger rises with Tottenham and Liverpool strengthening early
READ MORE: Why Arsenal have decided to try to sign Youri Tielemans instead of Yves Bissouma
