Whilst Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are all embroiled in a severe battle for a place in the Champions League ahead of next season, the process of claiming a ticket to Europe’s top table might be set to look hugely different in the near future. The process of qualifying for the competition is set to be changed by UEFA and that could well have a huge impact on how deals are done by those clubs lucky enough to claim a place.
Firstly, UEFA are set to extend the size of the competition itself from 32 teams to 36, meaning that there are a further four qualifying places up for grabs. Whilst the vast majority of those will still be decided on the previous season’s league position, there will be further positions up for grabs for sides based on best historical performance in the competition if they have not finished in the Champions League spots in their domestic campaign.
Meanwhile, there will also be further positions for clubs in Europe’s fifth-best performing league, whilst a ‘Champions’ pathway also opens up a further avenue. This means that the Premier League could potentially offer up to two more places in the competition next campaign.
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Whilst adding extra security to clubs’ hopes of earning a place in the Champions League, it will also provide a considerable boost of completing any considerable transfer deals. For a lengthy amount of time, Champions League football has been hailed as a huge reason behind a player’s decision to sign for a club - almost to the point of it becoming a cliche.
However, there is no doubt that it certainly does play a role in any decision. Take former Chelsea and Arsenal winger Willian for example.
A shock arrival at the Emirates Stadium in 2020, he hailed the prospect of potentially playing in the Champions League for the Gunners as a huge motivating factor behind his decision.
Upon penning his three-year deal with the north London side, the Brazilian said: “When I talked with the manager he told me why he needed me for three years.
“It was that he first wanted to qualify for the Champions League and win it by the time I left. That was what I wanted to hear.”
Whilst it did not work out the way either Willian or Mikel Arteta would have envisaged, it is clear to see that the prospect of Champions League football is almost irresistible for some signings. The Brazilian is just one of a long line of players to have admitted their affections for Europe’s premier competition.
Whilst the prestige of the Champions League is certainly tantalising, the easier qualification process would also make investment a whole lot easier to swallow. As has been explored on numerous occasions, just a ticket into the group stages alone can bring with it lucrative financial rewards - money that can thus be ploughed into considerable transfer fees and wages.
Whilst vast investment does not necessarily guarantee success, there is absolutely no doubting its ability to improve a team. So with more Champions League places up for grabs, all of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham will then be hoping that they can all take advantage on the signings front as they hope to embark on more adventures in Europe.
