Arteta says elite players now want to join Arsenal | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal’s victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals has the potential to reshape the club’s standing in the transfer market this summer.

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After a commanding 3-0 win at the Emirates, Arsenal travelled to the Santiago Bernabéu and beat Madrid again, this time 2-1, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring the decisive goal.

The result, which sent the Gunners into the semifinals of the competition for the first time in 16 years, has already begun to shift perceptions around the club. Arteta is convinced it can also shift the conversations Arsenal are having with top transfer targets.

“Maybe that is another factor, but we are very lucky because we are a football club that every time we have spoken to players, they want to be part of it (our club),” Arteta said.

“That is probably something that can generate more enthusiasm or belief, and the fact that I want to be part of these nights now because the club is in a good place.

“Overall, we are ready, we are strong and we can attract any player.”

Arsenal have been heavily linked with several high-profile forwards, including Viktor Gyökeres of Sporting CP, Benjamin Šeško of RB Leipzig, and Nico Williams of Athletic Club.

All three would represent significant investments and all three are being monitored by multiple top clubs. Arsenal’s return to Europe’s elite and their performances there now give them something extra to offer.

Viktor Gyökeres, who has a contract with Sporting CP until 2028 and a €100 million release clause, is now firmly in Arsenal’s sights. According to …

This was Arsenal’s second consecutive appearance in the Champions League quarterfinals since returning to the competition in 2023 after a six-year absence. The progress is tangible, and the semi-final meeting with Paris Saint-Germain now stands as the clearest signal yet of where Arteta’s team is headed.

Asked what makes the difference in these European nights, Arteta pointed to the standard of the domestic league.

“The fact that we compete against the best teams in the world, every single week. That is the best preparation for Europe,” he said.

“Sometimes we think, ‘Are we able to do it in Europe?’ And I keep telling them, ‘You did it three days ago at one of the best teams in Europe away’.

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

“They (the opposition) have to be thinking, ‘Can they do it against the teams in the Premier League?’ and playing with that belief, that you are highly exposed every week here in this league. We have the tools, the experience, and the resources to overcome any situation. After you have to do it.”

One of the resources Arsenal may soon get back is Kai Havertz, whose season was thought to be over after suffering a hamstring tear. Arteta now believes there is a chance the German midfielder could return earlier than expected.

“Semifinals? I think that’s too close. But if I had to bet on him earlier than expected, I would say yes,” Arteta said. “The way he works every day in that gym, pushing everybody, I don’t think you can hold him much longer.”

As Arsenal prepare for PSG, the club is now positioned not only to compete for a place in the Champions League final but to build further.

The win over Madrid was symbolic for what it said about Arsenal’s present. What it does for their future may prove just as important.