Arsenal: Arteta can 'still land top targets' at the Emirates | OneFootball

Arsenal can still land their top targets this summer despite missing out on Champions League qualification, believes the Daily Express’ Ryan Taylor.

The Gunners were beaten to the last top-four spot by north London rivals Tottenham, meaning Mikel Arteta’s men will have to settle for a place in the Europa League next season.

Who have Arsenal been linked with?

Two players who Arsenal have been strongly linked with in recent weeks are Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus and Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans.

Jesus’ agent Marcelo Pettinati confirmed to Fabrizio Romano earlier this month that he had held discussions with the Emirates outfit over a potential transfer for his client.

Regarding Tielemans, talkSPORT claimed Arsenal were confident of wrapping up a deal for the Belgian, though that was before they lost their top-four spot to Antonio Conte’s side.

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What has Taylor said about Arsenal?

Despite failing to secure a place in next season’s Champions League, Taylor still thinks Arsenal can sign their top targets.

When asked by GIVEMESPORT if missing out on the top four will impact the Gunners’ transfer plans, the Daily Express journalist said: “100%, but I still think Arsenal have the pulling power and capability really to still land their top targets.

“Obviously, although they can’t offer Champions League football, it looks like Mikel Arteta has certainly got them moving in the right direction. And I think the kind of project he’s got there will be used as the sales pitch when speaking with players’ representatives.”

Why do Arsenal want Jesus and Tielemans?

Arsenal are set to lose both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah when their contracts expire next month, so they need to bring in at least one centre-forward this summer like Jesus.

The Brazilian is Premier League proven and looks to be available after City’s decision to sign Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund, so he is a very logical target to have.

As for Tielemans, he represents a good chance to bring in a talented midfielder for a decent fee.

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Do you know this obscure player Arsenal signed in the January transfer window?

Joel Campbell Carlos Vela Chuba Akpom Cohen Bramall

The 25-year-old, who recorded the sixth-highest WhoScored rating in Leicester’s squad this season, is out of contract next year, meaning he should not cost Arsenal too much money if they decide to sign him in the upcoming window.

It will now be interesting to see if Arsenal really can snap up the likes of Jesus and Tielemans after missing out on Europe’s elite competition once again. Under Arteta, they certainly do look to be heading in the right direction, so perhaps it is not beyond them.