Arsenal could be forced to rip up transfer plans after eight-figure financial ‘blow’ – pundit
Danny Mills has claimed Arsenal may be forced to scrap moves for the likes of Youri Tielemans and Gabriel Jesus if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
The former England defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed a fifth-place finish would be a “big blow” for the Gunners’ finances ahead of the main window.
Tielemans and Jesus have been among the names linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium in recent weeks as Mikel Arteta’s side flirted with a return to Europe’s premier club competition.
Arsenal are set to miss out on a top-four finish following back-to-back losses against Tottenham and Newcastle.
As per Uefa‘s distribution report, clubs currently receive a €15.6million (£13.2million) windfall just for participating in the Champions League group stage – with group stage wins earning sides an extra £2.3million.
When asked if the lack of Champions League football could affect potential deals for Jesus and Tielemans, Mills told Football Insider‘s Connor Whitley: “It certainly won’t help them attract those types of players.
“The financial side of it takes a big blow as well.
“If you’re in the Champions League then you can point at that as clear progression. You can say: ‘Come and join us on this journey… look what we’ve achieved.’
“It’s a big incentive. It’s the cherry on top of the cake.
“It isn’t the end of the world because Arsenal – for me – are ahead of expectations at the moment.
“But they definitely lose some of their allure.”
North London rivals Spurs need only draw in their last game against Norwich on Sunday (22 May) to secure Champions League football – barring a dramatic 15-goal victory for the Gunners.
Arsenal last took part in the Champions League during the 2016-17 season.
In other news, Gunners told to sign ‘eight new players’ by expert after latest development.