Arteta: Euro failure has cost us plenty
MIKEL ARTETA has spelled out how failure to make the Champions League three seasons running has affected plans to overhaul his squad.
Arsenal have reported losses of £27million for the year ending May 2019 – the first time they’ve been in the red since 2002.
Finances are unlikely to improve with the Gunners failing to make the top four last season and off the pace in the Champions League qualification race this term.
Arteta said: “The damage caused by not being in the Champions League for a third season is really big.
“The impact is enormous because the structure of this club is built to be in the Champions League. That’s the reality. Every player in the world wants to play Champions League and if you talk about having this option on the table players are much more open to joining this club or to renewing their contract.”
Arteta takes his side to League One Portsmouth tonight for a tricky FA Cup fifth-round tie.
And he added: “I will try to explain to the players how tough Portsmouth are going to be.”
Portsmouth winger Ronan Curtis will look to boyhood hero Thierry Henry for inspiration to try to send his beloved Gunners crashing out of the Cup.
Curtis, 23, grew up worshipping Henry and his fellow Invincibles and can’t wait to face the Gunners.
He said: “I got my wish! It will be like a dream to play against my favourite team. My heroes were Henry and Bergkamp.
“The Invincibles were unbelievable. Arsenal do not really play that way now but just to play against them will be unbelievable.”