Arsenal deals for Youri Tielemans and Gabriel Jesus may collapse after latest twist – pundit
Gabriel Jesus and Youri Tielemans may reject Arsenal this summer as they look set to miss out on the Champions League, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker claimed Arsenal will not finish in the top four for the next five or six seasons as the teams below them will all improve.
After losing 2-0 to Newcastle United on Monday (16 May), leaves Mikel Arteta’s side in fifth, two points behind Tottenham going into the final day.
With a vastly superior goal difference, Spurs only need to avoid defeat at Norwich City to secure qualification for next season’s Champions League.
TalkSPORT reported last week (12 May) that the Gunners were confident of signing Tielemans once they confirmed a top-four finish.
Meanwhile, Jesus’ agent Marcelo Pettinati confirmed to Fabrizio Romano last week (11 May) that they had held talks with the north London club.
“It’s going to be a tough ask now for Arsenal,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“I can’t see Arsenal playing Champions League football for five or six years now. They’ll be playing Thursday then Sunday and that will take it out of that squad of players.
“They’re not going to attract the players either. Gabriel Jesus won’t touch Arsenal with a barge pole now, Tielemans will be umming and erring too. It’s going to cost them in the transfer market.
“Newcastle are going to buy players, Spurs are going to attract players with the Champions League, Leicester are going to improve on their poor season because they won’t be in Europe and Man United are going to improve.
“It’s going to be very difficult for Arsenal and I’m sure all their fans will agree.”
In other news, Arsenal have been handed a Champions League ‘lifeline’ after a Uefa ruling.