Arsenal are expected to significantly invest in their squad this summer even if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, according to the latest reports.
The Gunners were humiliated at St James' Park on Monday night as they came away with a majorly disappointing 2-0 defeat on Tyneside. The loss means that north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur now occupy fourth position heading into the final day. Whilst they're only two points ahead of the Gunners, they're playing already relegated Norwich City, whom they're expected to beat fairly comfortably.
With Arsenal set to miss out on Champions League qualification, fans are worried that they won't be able to attract top players heading into the summer transfer market. But if reports are to be believed, they shouldn't fear too much, as owner Stan Kroenke is planning on investing in the current squad.
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As per the Telegraph, failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League won't prevent the club from investing heavily in the first-team squad this summer, with Mikel Arteta desperate to recruit a handful of quality additions to his young team. Qualification would've given them more financial firepower, but the report adds that they will still have a meaningful budget to work with despite their financial difficulties in recent years.
football.london also understands that there will be a summer rebuild job at Arsenal with several players being targeted ahead of the transfer window. Arteta's targets include a marquee signing in Gabriel Jesus, with the Gunners confident of landing his signature. Arsenal first made enquiries for Jesus in November with Edu maintaining a close relationship with the player's agent and the City forward himself.
They're interested in signing Bologna left back Aaron Hickey following his impressive performances in Serie A. Arteta wants a versatile left-sided defender to bolster his defence this season, with Kieran Tierney currently on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery, while Takehiro Tomiyasu was forced off injured in the defeat at Newcastle on Monday night, having only recently returned to action following calf issues.
The Gunners have already agreed to sign Sao Paulo winger Marquinhos for a fee in the region of £3million. The 19-year-old will join the club this summer after extensive talks with Edu. Meanwhile, Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans is also a target and it is vital that the youngest squad in the Premier League strengthen their squad with more experience.
Arsenal's summer plans are testament to how much the board believes in Arteta and his vision. If they get things right in the market, the Gunners will be able to push on next season.
