Mikel Arteta (foto: Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal’s Champions League breakthrough will boost their pull in the transfer market, as the Gunners return to the semi-finals for the first time since 2009.
Mikel Arteta has led Arsenal to one of their most important victories in recent memory, knocking out Real Madrid to reach the Champions League semi-finals—their first appearance at that stage since the 2008/09 season.
More than just a result, Arteta sees the moment as a signal: Arsenal are back at the elite level, and the world is taking notice. According to the Spanish coach, this run in Europe’s top competition could redefine the club’s standing in the upcoming transfer market.
“Maybe that will be an additional factor, because we have rarely been rejected by players,” Arteta said. “Now there will probably be even more interest in our club. Players want to be part of a team that is having such great nights in the Champions League.”
Arteta praised the club’s internal structure and vision, hinting that Arsenal are ready to take the next step in both domestic and European ambitions. He believes the groundwork has already been laid to make the Emirates a destination for top-tier talent.
Among the names linked with a summer move are Benjamin Šeško, Viktor Gyökeres, and several high-profile forwards, as the club looks to build on its progress and add more firepower up front.
But the journey isn’t over yet. Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals and, with a possible final on the horizon, the chance to lift their first-ever Champions League trophy still burns bright.
Arsenal’s only previous final came in 2006, when they suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Barcelona. Nearly two decades later, Arteta’s side now has a golden opportunity to make history—and reshape their future in the process.