The absence of the Arsenal Champions League is no obstacle to attracting the best in the world

Mikel Arteta has said Arsenal can still attract the world’s best players despite a five-year absence from the Champions League.

The club last performed in 2017, and this campaign is the first time in 25 years that they finished eighth in last season’s Premier League when they have no European football at all.

However, Arteta is undergoing a major refurbishment as it spent £ 140m on five new contracts last summer and plans to make additions this month.

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Arsenal are heavily involved in Fiorentina’s striker money transfer Dusan Vlahovic and although Arteta refused to draw certain names, the 39-year-old said he could compete for the hottest views.

“Historically, this club has always targeted the best players in the world and the best players in the world have always been interested in coming here, and I can say that the situation has not changed,” Arteta said at a news conference Wednesday.

“Every time I’ve talked to any player, they were so willing to come. I haven’t encountered any other situation, and that’s one of our biggest strengths.

“Our question of getting people’s attention to come and join our club is in our best interest.”

Arteta may have been shy about potential income, but he tried to rule out the striker’s January departure. Eddie Nketiah, whose current contract expires at the end of the period.

Nketiah has so far refused to sign a new deal with Arsenal, and he is interested in Crystal Palace in addition to several German clubs, sources told ESPN.

Palace almost got a contract for Nketiah in the summer, but the transfer collapsed due to personal terms and agent fees. However, coach Patrick Vieira wants to revive the talks this month.

“The thing is, Eddie is our player and Eddie stays here with us,” Arteta said.

Arteta asked if it was possible for Nketiah to leave, and he replied, “He is our player, he has a contract, so he will stay with us.”