Arsenal are one win away from reclaiming their place in the Champions League. It’s been more than six years since Arsenal last competed in the Champions League, but a win over Southampton on Friday will ensure Mikel Arteta’s side returns to Europe’s elite club competition.
However, the Gunners clearly have a lot more on the line this season, with the Premier League title still on for them. But, ensuring Champions League status for 2023-24 will be another significant step in the club’s return to compete with the best Europe has to offer. So, what does Arsenal’s return to the Champions League signify for the future?
An appealing manifesto to attract big signings
Arsenal’s interest in signing West Ham’s coveted asset Declan Rice is now out in the open. With Mikel Arteta’s attractive football and the club’s steering growth under him, the Gunners have jumped in the line to sign Rice, a player who would have laughed off interest from West Ham’s London rivals a couple of years ago.
To sign players of Rice’s calibre, you must be an appealing proposition. Arsenal have always been one of those, but being able to deliver Champions League football raises the bar even higher. Every top player aspires to compete in Europe’s elite competition. If you can’t provide that, especially if you’re competing with rival teams who can, you’ll always be at a disadvantage in discussions.
So Arsenal’s return to the Champions League will only make it easier to sign their key targets, something they have struggled with in recent years.
More revenue in the form of prize money
Arsenal have been operating without the riches of the Champions League since 2017, and while they’ve still spent well during that time, the extra income will be quite welcome. The Champions League and Europa League provide vastly different experiences. According to UEFA estimates for the 2021-22 season, the clubs in the Champions League shared little over £1.76 billion in revenue. In the Europa League, that figure dropped to £409 million.
When Arsenal reached the Europa League final in 2019 and lost to Chelsea, they earned just £32 million in total income from the campaign, while the Blues won £39 million. Compared to last season’s Champions League, when Chelsea earned just over £80 million for reaching the quarter-finals, it’s easy to see how enormous the difference may be. Meanwhile, Manchester United, who won their group but were eliminated in the last 16 by Atletico Madrid, received roughly £68.5 million ($85 million).
Inflated Transfer Budget
More money means more opportunities in the transfer market. Arsenal has continued to spend well since 2017, but the additional funds will surely help when it comes to continuing the squad overhaul that Arteta and Edu have been pursuing. This summer, the emphasis will be on adding genuine talent, with Arsenal hoping to sign players who they believe can make an immediate impact on the squad.
Declan Rice is a top target, and it is expected that Arsenal would go all out to beat out Chelsea for the West Ham captain. Signing a player like Rice, considering the potential price tag and the amount of competition for the England international, would have seemed practically impossible at Arsenal not long ago. But with Champions League football on the horizon, it is now a distinct possibility.
Easier to close key contract extensions
It’s not just about bringing in new players for Arsenal, but also about keeping the ones they already have. Bukayo Saka, for example, is eager to get his Champions League campaign underway, and he will now be able to do so at Arsenal. The Premier League leaders have been in contract talks with Saka for some time now, and it is understood that an agreement in principle has been reached with the winger.
Being able to give Saka Champions League football next season will have been crucial in encouraging him to stay in north London rather than move elsewhere for the next step in his career. The same can be said about William Saliba, while Martin Odegaard, Aaron Ramsdale, and Ben White will all need new contracts soon.
Arsenal’s success will have attracted top teams from around Europe, making it much simpler to retain their key players away from their competitors by being able to offer them Champions League football at the Emirates.