Mikel Arteta’s claim that the best players are still interested in a move to Arsenal without the offer of Champions League football has been rubbished just a fortnight after his initial statement.
The Spanish coach made the claim amid the Gunners’ pursuit of Fiorentina forward Dusan Vlahovic, with Juventus also pursuing the Serbian hitman after his sensational form in Serie A over the past couple of seasons.
Speaking just a couple of weeks ago, Arteta said: "Historically this club has always been targeting the best players in the world and the best players in the world were always interested to come here and I can say that situation hasn't changed.
"Every time I have spoken to any player, they were so willing to come. I haven't faced any other situation and that is one of our biggest powers.
"Our capacity to get the attention of people to come and join our club is something that is an advantage for us."
Arsenal though have been frustrated in their pursuit of the 21-year-old, with Vlahovic instead opting for a move to Turin - Juventus indeed being able to offer Champions League this term at the very least, with a last-16 tie against Spanish side Villarreal coming up later this season.
It will certainly be interesting to see if the Turin side manage to retain that status, though. After finishing a disappointing fourth in Serie A last term, they are currently sitting outside of the Champions League places, having played a game more than fourth-placed Atalanta.
Elsewhere, Arsenal are also embroiled in a battle to return to the top table of European football.
Arteta’s men currently sit sixth in the Premier League standings - two points behind Manchester United - with a game in hand.
