Mikel Arteta has warned Arsenal’s wantaway stars and prospective transfer targets that they shouldn’t need convincing to play for the club.
The Gunners boss is preparing for his first summer transfer window in charge, having taken over after Unai Emery was sacked midway through the season.
Some of the Spaniard’s most important business will concern players already on his books, with club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang entering the final year of his contract and being heavily linked with a move away.
Meanwhile, starlet Bukayo Saka is yet to sign a contract extension after breaking into the first team.
Arteta could also faces a challenge to attract new players, with Arsenal unlikely to be playing Champions League football.
However, speaking to club legend Ian Wright in an interview for Adidas, the 38-year-old offered his frank view.
“The moment we mention Arsenal, Ian, you know what it means around the world,” he said.
“Everybody wants to come here and we have a really clear idea of what we are.
“You know, it doesn’t need much convincing and if they do, for me, it’s not a good starting point.
“If I have to convince a player to stay or to join us, to Arsenal, it holds me back a little.
"It has to be: ‘What do I have to do? I want to play for that club.’
“That’s the kind of emotion that I want to hear at this time. And the same with the players that are here.”
